Situated directly opposite the Istana, the official residence of the President of Singapore, the park was designed by Ren Matsui, a prominent Japanese landscape architect. It features a unique reflecting pool and the Festival Arch, a 16-metre high structure of concrete and stainless steel.
Previously known as the Government House where British governors resided, this building has since 1965 been the residence of Singapore's Presidents. Designed by J. F. A. McNair, the building was completed in 1869.