Istana

The Istana is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore and the working office of the Prime Minister, located along Orchard Road in the Newton planning area. Built between 1867 and 1869 as the Government House for the colonial governor, the neo-Palladian building sits within 40 hectares of landscaped grounds. It is notable for its colonial architecture, formal gardens, and ceremonial role, and is open to the public only on selected public holidays.

Visitors can expect a large colonial-era palace set within extensive landscaped grounds with lawns, gardens, ponds and historic outbuildings. During designated Open House days, visitors can enter the grounds, view the exterior of the main Istana building, explore the gardens, visit the Istana Heritage Gallery, and join guided tours of selected function rooms. The setting is formal and park-like, with security screening at entry and managed visitor routes.

Built between 1867 and 1869 to designs by Major John Frederick Adolphus McNair as Government House for the Governor of the Straits Settlements. It served as the residence of 21 colonial governors, then as the residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara and later the President of Singapore after independence in 1965. The building and grounds were gazetted as a National Monument in 1992.

Serves as the official residence of the President of Singapore and houses the office of the Prime Minister. It is a national ceremonial venue for state functions, swearing-in ceremonies, and presentation of credentials, and is regarded as a symbol of Singapore's governance and heritage.