Brief History of ISTANA

The Istana ('Palace' in Malay) is the official residence of te President of the Republic of Singapore. Located atop a hill on over 100acres of prime land along Orchard Road, it is opened to the public on a few major public holidays each year. The sprawling parkland within which the Istana is sited is lush with magnificent trees and colourful shurbs.A nine hole golf course, theme gardens and several smaller bungalows are also co-located within the domain

Brief History
The Istana building was built by the British Colonial Government to house its Governors. Completed in 1869, it was then known as Government House

Government House was designed by the Colonial Engineer, Major John F.A. McNair in March 1867. Construction began later that year in land that had previously been a nutmeg plantation . It was completed just in time for the visit by the Duke of Edinburgh, the second son of Queen Victoria of Britain.

The Istana is similar in architecture to many 18th Century neo-Palladian style buildings designed by the British military engineers in India. It has a tropical layout, like a Malay House, surrounded by statuesque columns, deep verandahs, louvred windows and panelled doors, to promote cross ventilation, and an airy and cool interior. The central 3-storey 28m high tower block dominated the building. The 2-storey side wings are ornamented with Ionic colonnades at the second storey and Doric colonnades at the first storey.

In 1959, the building was handed over to the Singapore Government when Singapore gained self-government. It was renamed Istana. The building was extensively renovated between 1996 and 1998 to add more space and modern day conveniences.

The building today has six function rooms used for ceremonial and entertainment purposes. The offices of the President and his staff are also located within the building.

Tour of the Ground Floor
To the left of the entrance foyer is the Reception Hall. It is here that foreign heads of missions and Singaporean dignitaries are introduced to visiting Heads of State and Government. As its name implies, tea receptions are also held here after ceremonies in the State Room.

The State Roon is the room to the right of the main entrance. In the past, it was called the Victoria Room by virtue of a large statue of Queen Victoria, which used to stand at the end of the room. The statue is now restored and stands under a gazebo in the garden. This room is used mainly for ceremonial purposes such as swearing-in, investitures and presentation of credentials by heads of foreign missions. The ministage at the end of the room is where the official presentations are made.

Beyond the entry foyer, behind the grand staircase is the formal entrance to the Banquet Hall. This is a new space carved out of what were formerly kitchens and workshops. An alcove at the end of the Hall features a tromp l'oeil of a scenic landscape behind an arched opening. State dinners in honour of visiting Heads of State and Government are often held here

These information were copy from 'The ISTANA' leaflet