The Istana Open House for National Day 2017 takes place on Sunday, 30 July. It is a chance for the public to visit the residence of the President of Singapore and its grounds.
The Istana Open House for National Day 2017 will be held from 8.30 am to 6 pm. Throughout the day, there will be programmes held throughout the day. Admission to the Istana grounds for Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents is free while all other visitors will have to pay a $2 admission fee per person. The entrance to Istana Open House for National Day 2017 is next to Plaza Singapura, opposite Istana Park.
Here are 5 highlights of the Istana Open House being held on 30 July 2017.
Istana Harvest Sorbet
In celebration of Singapore’s 52nd birthday, President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife, Mrs Mary Tan, will be launching the Istana Harvest Sorbet. A collaboration between the President’s Office and Udders Ice Cream, the sorbet is created based on the Istana Harvest, a signature drink concocted from ingredients found in the Istana’s Spice Garden. The sale of the Istana Harvest Sorbet will take place between 10 am to 5 pm at the Main Tent and Centre Gate.
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Istana Art Event On-the-Sport Art Competition
With the theme “One Nation Together”, the Istana Art Event On-the-Spot Art Competition is open to children between three to 12 years old. Taking place in two categories, Junior for 3 to 6 year olds and Intermediate for seven to 12 year olds, the first 1,000 participants to submit their artwork will receive an Istana Art Event Goodie Bag and free entry to the Main Building. Winners will be announced at 3.30pm and prizes presented at 4.20 pm.
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gapore’s Palace
Istana Arts & Heritage Village
Create your own bookmarks and pom-poms, make a personalised fan, play fun games and participate in a calligraphy workshop. These and other activities await at the Istana Arts & Heritage Village being held near the Centre Gate between 9 am to 5 pm.
Nature Walks
Download the Istana Garden Walk mobile app and go on a self-guided tour to discover the variety of plants that grow in the Istana Gardens and places of interest.
Alternatively, the public can sign up for a paid Nature Guided Walk, a collaboration between the President’s Office and National Parks Board. All fees collected will go to charity.
Long-stemmed Red and White Roses, the colours of Singapore’s flag, will be on sale at the Centre Gate as well. Sale proceeds will be donated to charity.
Performances
Performances will be held at the Main Tent to entertain visitors. The Ang Mo Kio Secondary School band will be playing from 10 am to 12 pm, a song and dance performance by Thye Hua Kwan Child Care and Student Care Centre will be held at 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm at the Ceremonial Plaza, and a So Drama! Entertainment will staging a performance at the Main Tent at the same time.
Bonus
Those visiting the Istana Open House for National Day 2017 can also pay a visit to Istana Park and the Istana Heritage Gallery, opposite the Istana’s Main Gates. Read more about Istana Park here.
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