Istana Heritage Gallery, Singapore

Istana Heritage Gallery, Singapore Overview

The Istana Heritage Gallery, located within the Istana Park is just opposite Istana, the official residence of the President of Singapore. The gallery contains a number of displays that highlight the historical importance of Istana. It was opened to the public in 2016 and can be reached by travelling along the Orchard Road. The exhibits trace the history of Istana that served as the Governor’s House during the Colonial period to its present-day role of being the Presidential office.

The artefacts at Istana Heritage Gallery include a number of items used by the State and a variety of artwork. The gifts that had been presented to the President and Prime Ministers of Singapore are also put on display. The Gallery adds a special feature to the guided tour of the Istana Open House. Moreover, it also showcases the different responsibilities of the President (constitutional, ceremonial & for the community) while revealing the special status of Istana in the history of Singapore. The Istana's special role in the ceremonial, constitutional and community duties of the President are also beautifully highlighted in the Istana Heritage Gallery.

Highlights at Istana Heritage Gallery

A pair of silver goblets, presented to the late President S R Nathan by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 is one of the most beautiful exhibits at the Gallery.
A bust of an Induna (headman) gifted by the late South African President Nelson Mandela to the late President Ong Teng Cheong in 1997, is another interesting item on display at the Gallery.
The Gallery also houses a writing desk which has digital reproductions of the greetings written in the Istana Guest Book by the numerous visiting state heads over the years.
The Istana Heritage Gallery also has numerous information panels which depict the Istana’s rich history and heritage along with the State Gifts, various beautiful artifacts and magnificent artwork.

Tips

It is forbidden to touch the exhibits
Young children below 12 years of age are not permitted to enter the galley unaccompanied by adults
It is mandatory to keep the mobiles switched off or on silent mode. Talking loudly and screaming is frowned upon as well in order to allow all visitors to enjoy their tour peacefully.
It is not permitted to enter the gallery with bulky items
While photography is allowed inside the gallery, selfie sticks and tripods are barred. Displaying the exhibits commercially is not allowed either. Professional photographers are required to have written permission from the Presidential office in order to shoot commercially.
The entire gallery is under CCTV surveillance. Visitors are cautioned against leaning on the glass cases displaying the items or running around the room.
Tourists are asked to be respectful while viewing the artefacts preserved at the gallery. The management reserves the right to ask an individual to leave the gallery if the behaviour is disruptive and disturbing for others
The visitors are not allowed to carry food and drink inside

How to Reach Istana Heritage Gallery

The Istana Heritage Gallery is located at 35 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238902, Istana Park and is directly opposite the main gate of the Istana. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut which connects to the Circle Line, Northeast Line and the North-South Line. Visitors should then take Exit C to Istana Park.