used for state functions and ceremonial occasions such as swearings-in, investitures and the presentation of credentials by heads of foreign missions. The Prime Minister, Senior Minister and Minister Mentor have their offices in the Istana Annex. On the first Sunday of the month, there is a Changing of the Guards parade, which is a popular public event. Architecture The Istana is similar to many 18th-century neo-Palladian style buildings designed by 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. The central three-storey 28-metre-high tower block dominates the building. The reasonably well-proportioned two-storey side wings feature Ionic, Doric and Corinthian orders with Ionic colonnades at the second storey and Doric colonnades at the first storey. The building sits in its elevated position overlooking its stately grounds, the Domain, reminiscent of the great gardens of England. Buildings and structures in the grounds Sri Temasek, also built in 1869 for the Colonial Secretary of the Straits Settlements, has been the official residence of the Prime Minister of Singapore since independence. The Annexe. The Istana Villa (1938). The Lodge (1974). The Japanese field-artillery gun (a Type 92 10 cm cannon), presented to the leader of the returning victorious British forces to Singapore, Lord Louis Mountbatten, following the official Japanese surrender to the British in 1945 at the end of WWII. Marsh Garden (1970). Victoria Pond. A nine-hole golf course. A burial place of Bencoolen Muslims who came to Singapore between 1825 and 1828 is located on the southern slopes of the grounds close to the Orchard Road entrance. Rooms in the main building First floor The Reception Hall is where the president receive visiting dignitaries and foreign heads of state. As its name states, tea receptions are held here after a state dinner. In the Banquet Hall, guests dine with the president and are entertained. At the end of the hall is a trompe-l'œil painted with a backdrop of orchids. The room, formerly part of the kitchen and some workshops, is also used to display state gifts. The State Room is the seat and office of the president. The hall is used for events such as the swearing-in of a newly-elected Cabinet members or President, or for presentations of awards. When it was the sitting room of Sir Shenton Thomas, he had a statue of