Istana, the official residence of the President of Singapore, will be opened to the public on Tuesday, Jan 27 from 8.30am to 6pm. This is in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Admission to the grounds will be via the main gate at Orchard Road. Free entry for Singaporeans and permanent residents. Other visitors have to pay an entrance fee of $1 per person.

An entrance fee of $2 will be charged for a tour of selected function rooms in the Istana building.

During the Open House, there will be a variety of performances and demonstrations:

Bands from Jurong Primary School, Sembawang Secondary School, Catholic High School and the Chinese orchestra of Nanyang Primary School will be performing.

A wushu demonstration as well as a dragon and lion dance by the Wei Yong Guan Dragon & Lion Dance Centre.

Members of the Life Art Society, who will be demonstrating their calligraphy skills at the Open House. Proceeds from the sale of calligraphy and art pieces created by them will be donated to the Community Chest.

Istana souvenirs will also be sold on that day and all proceeds from the sale of souvenirs, as well as entrance fees collected, will be donated to the Community Chest.

More information can be found at http://www.istana.gov.sg/.