Calling for all those suffering from “bainian burnout”: the President has your back! The President’s Office has announced that the Istana will be holding an open house on 2 February 2025, the fifth day of Chinese New Year, from 8.30am to 6pm.
Though you may be missing out on a few angpows if you came to this open house instead of visiting your relatives, admission into the Istana is free for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs).
I don’t know about you, but I would say that is a pretty good compromise if it means not needing to endure the prying questions of elderly relatives.
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It will only cost $2 to enter the Istana Villa.
As for foreigners, the admissions fee is $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 4 to 12. It will cost an additional $10 and $5 respectively to enter the Istana Villa.
All proceeds will go to beneficiaries supported by the President’s Challenge.
Furthermore, there will be a wide range of activities held during the open house.
Visitors will be able to re-live their childhoods, or experience their parents’, by playing a variety of kampung games.
They will also be able to attempt some Chinese calligraphy, and experience Paralympic sports try-outs for boccia, sitting football and blind football.
In addition, mesmerising, multi-ethnic performances will be put up by the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts School of Young Talents, Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, Nam Hwa Opera, the Singapore Police Force and NTUC’s U-Live.
Fortunately (or unfortunately), there will be food sold at food trucks and food stalls will be available at the open house as well, making up for the lack of CNY snacks you could have been snacking on at your relative’s house.
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Limited-edition souvenirs and merchandise will be sold too to raise funds for beneficiaries supported by the President’s Challenge.
Though all slots for the guided Istana Heritage Tour has been fully booked, do not fret, as you can still explore the beautiful grounds by yourself. Try not to get lost though–we all know how unpredictable and confusing Google Maps can be sometimes.
Do take note that admission into the Istana Open House may be affected due to weather conditions or for crowd control.
Though fire crackers and fireworks may seem like the perfect activity to enjoy at the sprawling fields of the Istana grounds, especially amidst the festive cheer of Chinese New Year Celebrations, do remember that you are entering the official residence of the President.
You are not allowed to bring such flammable objects, as well as sharp objects such as knives and scissors into the Open House.
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Admission into the Open House is via the Main Gate at Orchard Road only.
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