Singapore’s cultural calendar just got a powerful new anchor. IMBA Theatre, the country’s first venue dedicated to large-scale immersive storytelling and gallery exhibitions, officially opened at Gardens by the Bay on 21 April 2026. The launch was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, alongside representatives from IMBA and Gardens by the Bay.
A new cultural destination at Gardens by the Bay
Spanning more than 80,000 square feet, IMBA Theatre houses a major gallery, two purpose-built black box theatres with state-of-the-art projection and sound technology, and curated lifestyle experiences. It sits on the West Lawn beside Bayfront Plaza, giving it a prime spot within the Gardens’ footprint and a short walk from Bayfront MRT.
Speaking at the launch, the team described IMBA as a place where “curiosity grows” — a venue built to make culture feel accessible for everyone, whether you are here for a big day out, a family adventure, or a quieter moment of discovery.
Botero in Singapore: the headline act
The centrepiece of the opening season is Botero in Singapore, the world’s first tri-format experience jointly presented with the Fernando Botero Foundation. The showcase brings together over 130 original works by the late Colombian master, celebrated for his unmistakable rounded forms and his gentle humour about beauty, power and everyday life.
The experience is split across two complementary shows:
- Botero: Heart of Volume — an intimate gallery exhibition featuring paintings, drawings and sculptures from across the artist’s career. The exhibition has been extended to 31 May 2026 due to demand.
- Botero: A Life in Fullness — a fully immersive experience where Botero’s colour, music and movement fill the space around you. Tickets go on sale from 4pm SGT on 21 April 2026, with doors opening on Sunday, 26 April 2026. The show runs until 31 July 2026.
Ticket holders to A Life in Fullness will enjoy complimentary access to Heart of Volume, effectively bundling both Botero shows in one visit.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer comes to Singapore
Running alongside Botero is David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), a landmark immersive experience presented in partnership with Lightroom UK. Shaped directly through Hockney’s own eyes, the show walks audiences through six chapters of giant projections — his pools, landscapes, portraits and stage designs — set to an original soundtrack by Nico Muhly.
The Hockney show runs until 30 June 2026.
Why this matters for Singapore
IMBA Theatre is a significant addition to Singapore’s arts ecosystem. Until now, large-scale immersive art experiences have largely travelled in and out on short runs in pop-up venues. Having a permanent home — purpose-built with the technical infrastructure to host world-class shows — signals that Singapore is serious about positioning itself as a regional hub for this fast-growing category of cultural tourism.
It also complements the broader offering at Gardens by the Bay, where visitors can easily pair a visit with the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest or Supertree Grove for a full day out.
How to plan your visit
IMBA Theatre is open daily from 9.00am to 9.00pm, with the nearest carpark at Bayfront Carpark. Admission fees apply to each exhibition. Tickets can be purchased via the IMBA Global website or at the venue, with timed-entry slots recommended to avoid peak-hour queues during the opening weekend.
For more Singapore arts and culture coverage, see our recent features on heritage exhibitions and what’s happening around the island.
Media enquiries can be directed to [email protected]. Images courtesy of IMBA and Gardens by the Bay.
