Istana Park

All you need to know about the Istana Park

Istana Park, which means ‘Palace’ in Malay, is the President of Singapore’s office and the official residence Prime Minister’s working office. On Orchard Road, the large, whitewashed neoclassical structure gets nestled amid 16 hectares of land. The Istana, which was constructed between 1867 and 1869 by the British, is open to the public on five statutory holidays each year: Chinese New Year (January/February), Deepavali (October/November), Hari Raya Puasa (Eid – the end of the Ramadan festival), Labor Day, and date before National Day. On the first Sunday of each month, there is a highly exciting changing of guards, which is the time to visit Istana Park.

State gatherings and ceremonial occasions such as swearing-ins, investitures, and the presentation of credentials by heads of foreign missions are frequently held on the Istana ground and in its six function rooms. On days when the Istana is available to the public, visitors may wander through the nine-hole golf course and into the gorgeous welcome hall surrounded by mesmerizing terraced gardens. The Istana Park Open Days also include entertainment and educational events such as the “Display of Reptiles by the Wildlife Reserves of Singapore,” “National Heritage Board Guided Tour,” and “Nature Guided Walks.” Local schools and youth organizations put on various musical and dance shows.

Meta Description

The Istana Park was finished in late 1995 and publicly inaugurated by National Development Minister Lim Hng Kiang on September 6, 1996.

Architecture:
The park’s focal feature is the Festival Arch, a 26-meter-high stainless steel and concrete structure in a reflecting pool. The Istana’s entry gateposts and railings inspired the style of the arch, and Orchard Road’s entrance gets represented by the archway. The reflecting pond is one-third the size of an Olympic pool and is around 40cm deep.

Festival Arch:
Look for the Festival Arch, which rises from a rectangular reflecting pool with slow, flowing water and is 26 meters long. The design gets inspired by the Istana Entrance’s gateposts and railings. The arch, which stands four stories tall and gets adorned with banners and flags during National Day, is a symbol marking the entrance to the Civic District.

Things To Do:

Dining & Art:
Are you looking for a place to relax while simultaneously learning about and enjoying art? At My Art Space gets located in Istana Park, and you may just that. It’s a relaxing spot where you may relax and take in the tranquility of the park’s lush flora.

Heritage Gallery of the Istana:
The Istana Heritage Gallery depicts Istana’s evolution from the Colonial Governor’s House to its current use as the President’s Office. The President’s constitutional, ceremonial, and communal functions, as well as the Istana’s unique place in Singapore’s history, are highlighted in the Gallery.

Tips:

• • At 5.30 p.m., the ticket desk for the Istana Main Building closes.
  • Flammable materials (lighters), pointed and sharp things
  • (Example: knives of any size, forks), and canned food or drinks are not permitted.
  • Wheeled activities (such as cycling and rollerblading), littering, smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, and pets (excluding guide dogs) are prohibited.