Istana Singapore Open House: A Rare Glimpse into the Presidential Residence

Introduction

The Istana, the official residence of the President of Singapore, will open its doors to the public for its annual open house on [Date]. It is a rare opportunity for the public to explore this historic and iconic building, normally closed to the public.

The open house will feature a variety of activities, including:

• Guided tours of the Istana
• Exhibitions on the history of the Istana
• Performances by local musicians and dancers
• Food and drinks stalls

History of the Istana

The Istana was built in 1869 as the official residence for the British governors of Singapore. It was designed by John Frederick Adolphus McNair, a British architect who also designed the former Parliament House.

The Istana became the official residence of the President of Singapore when Singapore became independent in 1965. Since then, it has hosted a number of important events, including state banquets, official ceremonies, and meetings with foreign dignitaries.

Architectural Highlights

The Istana is a magnificent building that showcases a blend of architectural styles. The main building is in the Palladian style, which is characterized by its symmetrical facade and large windows. The roof is topped by a dome, which is a common feature of Palladian architecture.

The Istana also features a number of other architectural elements, including:

• A Corinthian colonnade on the front facade
• A porte-cochere (covered entranceway)
• A grand staircase
• A ballroom
• A dining room
• A library
• A swimming pool
• A tennis court

Public Access

The Istana is normally closed to the public, but it opens its doors for a few days each year for its annual open house. This is a rare opportunity for the public to explore this historic and iconic building.

The open house is typically held on a weekend, and it is free to attend. Visitors can take guided tours of the Istana, view exhibitions on its history, and enjoy performances by local musicians and dancers. Food and drinks stalls are also available.

Conclusion

The Istana is a beautiful and historic building that is an important part of Singapore's heritage. The annual open house is a rare opportunity for the public to explore this iconic building and learn about its history.

Additional Information

• The Istana is located at Orchard Road, Singapore 238859.
• The open house will be held on [Date] from [Time] to [Time].
• Admission is free.

Guided Tours of the Istana

Guided tours of the Istana will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours will depart every [Time] from the front entrance of the Istana.

The tours will last approximately [Time] and will cover the following areas:

• The main building
• The ballroom
• The dining room
• The library
• The swimming pool
• The tennis court

Exhibitions on the History of the Istana

In addition to the guided tours, there will be a number of exhibitions on the history of the Istana. The exhibitions will be located in the following areas:

• The Istana Gallery
• The State Room
• The Dining Room

The exhibitions will feature a variety of artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of the Istana from its construction in 1869 to the present day.

Performances by Local Musicians and Dancers

There will be a variety of performances by local musicians and dancers throughout the day. The performances will take place on the following stages:

• The Main Stage
• The Courtyard Stage
• The Garden Stage

The performances will feature a variety of genres, including:

• Traditional Malay music
• Chinese opera
• Indian dance
• Western classical music

Food and Drinks Stalls

There will be a number of food and drinks stalls located throughout the Istana grounds. The stalls will offer a variety of food and drinks, including:

• Local snacks
• International cuisine
• Desserts
• Drinks

Table 1: Istana Open House Schedule

Table 2: Istana Architectural Highlights

Table 3: Istana Guided Tour Stops