Istana open to public on Aug 2

Istana open to public on Aug 2

SINGAPORE - A statement released by the President's Office today said that the Istana grounds will be open to the public on Aug 2, from 8am to 6pm, in celebration of Hari Raya Puasa and National Day. The open house will also incorporate the annual Istana Art Event, which has a line up of exciting activities for all to enjoy.

A unique feature of the Istana Art Event this year is the Art Playscape, a specially designed art-inspired play area for children to discover and engage in imaginative play. Children aged 3-12 can also take part in the On-The-Spot Art Competition.

Visitors are also invited to interact with elements of the public sculpture - Gravitational Pull- and pen their aspirations for Singapore on specially designed wish cards at the Wish House installation.

In addition, the public can learn about Singapore's museums and heritage institutions, and explore the diverse offerings of our arts and culture scene, by participating in a variety of hands-on activities lined up at the Museum Roundtable Arts and Heritage Village, which feature 13 Roundtable member museums.

Visitors can enjoy traditional Malay music, cultural and contemporary dances by the People's Association, and performances by Pei Hwa, Riverside Secondary School and Catholic High School Symphonic Bands. There will also be a display of birds from the Wildlife Reserves of Singapore - Jurong Bird Park.

Members of the public can sign up for the Nature Guided Walk at the Istana, a collaboration between the President's Office and the National Parks Board (NParks) which showcases the Istana's flora, fauna and biodiversity. They can also take a guided tour of the Istana main building led by volunteers from the Preservation of Sites and Monuments division of the National Heritage Board and view selected function rooms and display of gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister by foreign dignitaries.

Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents enjoy free admission to the Istana grounds. Other visitors will be required to pay an entrance fee of $1 per person. Visitors may access the Istana by the nearest MRT station Dhoby Ghaut, and enter the Istana grounds via the main gate at Orchard Road.

Additional fees apply for the guided tours. Proceeds from the sale of Istana souvenirs during the open house and all entrance fees collected will be donated to charity.

minlee@sph.com.sg

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