The Lunar New Year Istana Open House is one of several times during the year when the public is able to pay a visit to the grounds of the official residence of the President of Singapore.
For 2023, Lunar New Year Istana Open House, or Istana Chinese New Year Open House, takes place on Monday, 23 January. From 8.30 am to 6 pm, members of the public will be able to pay a visit to the verdant grounds of the Istana.
This year, it is also a chance to view a newly opened enhanced Swan Pond. This includes a new garden stream and viewing deck too.
Visiting the Lunar New Year Istana Open House
The Istana Lunar New Year Open House 2023 is open to all visitors. Admission is free for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. All other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $2 per person. Only cashless payments via SGQR will be accepted.
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Those who are visiting the Istana grounds can also join guided tours and enjoy performances scheduled to take place throughout the day.
Highlights of the Lunar New Year Open House at the Istana
Performances
From 9 am to 5 pm, visitors can catch drum, dance, and band performances by student groups from Hwa Chong Institution, Maris Stella High School, Montfort Secondary School, Nan Hua Primary School, and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) School of Young Talents at the Ceremonial Plaza, Main Tent, and Reception Room.
The schedule of performances at the Lunar New Year Istana Open House 2023 is as follows:
| Performances | ||
| 9.00am – 10.00am | Chinese Drum Performance by Nan Hua Primary School | Ceremonial Plaza |
|
10.30am – 11.30am |
Chinese Dance Performance by Hwa Chong Institution (Alumni) | Ceremonial Plaza |
| 2.00pm – 3.00pm | Band Performance by Montfort Secondary School | Main Tent |
| 2.00pm – 3.00pm | Dance Performance by NAFA School of Young Talents | Ceremonial Plaza |
| 3.40pm – 4.00pm | Musical Performance by NAFA School of Young Talents | Reception Room |
| 4.00pm – 5.00pm | Chinese Drum Performance by Maris Stella High School | Ceremonial Plaza |
Activities
Visitors to the open house will be able to participate various activities like candle-making and Chinese calligraphy-painting at the Main Tent and Centre Gate Tent. These activity booths will be available from 8.30 am to 5.40 pm.
|
Sharity Booth by Community Chest |
Centre Gate Tent |
|
Chinese Calligraphy Booth by Cairnhill Community Club |
Main Tent |
|
Candle-making Workshop and Booth by Anaya Soul Retreat |
Main Tent |
|
Henna Booth by Cognizant |
Main Tent |
Guided Tours
The Istana Main Building will also be opened for guided tours. These tours will be conducted at 10 am, 11 am to 2.30 pm, and 4.30 pm to 5 pm. The tours will allows visitors to view selected function rooms and have a closer look at a collection of State Gifts presented to Singapore’s leaders.
There will also be the option for visitors to go on their own self-guided Istana Main Building tours.
Nature Guided Tours by NParks introducing the Istana’s flora and fauna will also be held from 10 am to 4 pm. Tours are limited to 15 persons per group.
Food and Merchandise
In addition, there will also be food stalls and a food truck as well as merchandise booths selling limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President’s Challenge souvenirs.
The food trucks will be near the Main Tent, where food stalls will be located. Drink booths will be available at the Main Tent, Centre Gate Tent and Ticketing Booth.
Thos who wish to President’s Challenge merchandise can head to the Main Tent.
All proceeds from the merchandise booths will go towards charities supported by the President’s Challenge. Only cashless payments via the SGQR will be accepted.
