Showcasing art and culture through experiences and exhibitions, IMBA Theatre is the latest attraction to open in Singapore.
New to Gardens by the Bay, IMBA Theatre is where art and culture collide, brought to life with large-scale immersive experiences and gallery exhibitions in Singapore. Taking up more than 80,000 square feet, the attraction is home to two black box theatres with top-tier projection and sound technology, a gallery, a retail area in collaboration with Stacked Store, a wellness dining concept called Realm Cafe, and an interactive Prudential Experience Zone. After exploring the entire space during IMBA Theatre’s grand opening, I’ve whittled it down to everything you need to know before you go.
IMBA Theatre at Gardens by the Bay: Details at a glance
Best for: Art enthusiasts who love exploring new galleries and immersive exhibitions
Insider tip: Dress comfortably, as you’ll be sitting on beanbags and seats indoors for the duration of the theatre experiences
Dates:
- Botero: Heart of Volume exhibition, until 31 May 2026
- David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), until 30 June 2026
- Botero: A Life in Fullness, 26 April to 31 July 2026
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm
Price: Starts from $15 for adults; buy tickets online at IMBA Global
Address: IMBA Theatre, West Lawn (beside Bayfront Plaza), Gardens by the Bay, #01-23, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
The theatre and gallery: What’s on
Marvel at art in a whole new light with immersive storytelling, a 360-degree environment, and audiovisual technology at IMBA Theatre. Botero in Singapore marks the world’s first tri-format experience, while David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller and further away) is presented in partnership with Lightroom UK for its Southeast Asia premiere.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller and further away)
Step into Hockney’s orbit and follow him across six decades of his work, diving into perspective, photography, and painting. You’ll admire iconic creations by the British artist on walls up to 10 metres high, see his digital works created in real time, and be amazed at his opera set designs.
Throughout the 50-minute runtime, I was mesmerised by the vibrant colours, his compelling narration, and the large-scale projections that offered a glimpse of the world through his eyes.
Botero in Singapore
An incredible celebration of Fernando Botero’s life and art, this is the world’s first Botero immersive experience, complemented by his works and sculptures displayed throughout the space.
If you only have time for one thing, make it A Life in Fullness. I was thoroughly fascinated by the 40-minute theatre showcase, made more poignant by the narration of Fernando Botero Zea, the maestro’s eldest son. He chronicles the artist’s life story, from humble beginnings in Colombia and the worst day of his life to finding his signature art form and the striking legacy he left behind.
For a deeper dive into Botero’s artworks, check out Heart of Volume at IMBA Theatre Gallery to browse through 118 original works from the family’s collection, or walk through the gardens to spot the 10 free-to-view sculptures. Don’t forget to check out the photo booths and create “Botero” versions of yourself to bring home!
Shop and eat: Stacked Store and Realm Cafe
If you love all things quirky and cool for your home, the IMBA Stacked Store is perfect for a pitstop. Here’s where you’ll find design-led lifestyle and homeware pieces, alongside IMBA-exclusive merch and limited edition collectibles inspired by the exhibitions and artists.
I spotted Botero-themed art prints, umbrellas, rugs, and mugs, as well as Hockney-themed totes and postcards. Other cool finds include the cutest sock designs by Eat My Socks, a shopfront for emotional support fabric flowers, mugs by Club Modular, and more.
Finally, stop by the 14m-long Prudential Experience Zone to customise your avatar and enter Lah Lah Land, a digital landscape filled with iconic local landmarks and delicacies. P.S. look forward to the opening of wellness dining concept Realm Cafe from June 2026!
Is IMBA Theatre worth visiting?
Absolutely! If traditional art exhibitions feel a little too still for you, IMBA Theatre turns masterpieces into full-blown experiences you can step into, with storytelling on a larger-than-life scale. Let’s just say, this isn’t your average gallery visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IMBA Theatre in Singapore?
IMBA Theatre is a new immersive theatre and exhibition space at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. It combines large-scale projections, surround sound and storytelling to bring art and culture to life through multi-sensory experiences and gallery showcases.
Where is IMBA Theatre located?
IMBA Theatre is located at: West Lawn (beside Bayfront Plaza), Gardens by the Bay, #01-23, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953. It’s within walking distance from Bayfront MRT station, making it easy to access alongside other attractions in Marina Bay.
What is showing at IMBA Theatre?
IMBA Theatre features rotating immersive exhibitions and gallery showcases. Current highlights include:
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) (until 30 June 2026)
Botero: Heart of Volume (until 31 May 2026)
Botero: A Life in Fullness (26 April to 31 July 2026)
How much are IMBA Theatre tickets?
IMBA Theatre ticket prices in Singapore vary depending on the exhibition, day (weekday vs weekend), and residency status. Across IMBA Theatre, tickets generally start from around $15 and can go higher depending on the experience (eg. immersive shows vs gallery exhibitions).
How long does an IMBA Theatre experience take?
Most immersive theatre experiences at IMBA Theatre run for approximately 40 to 50 minutes, depending on what you choose. Visitors should also allow extra time to explore the gallery spaces, retail store and interactive zones within the venue.
What can I expect at IMBA Theatre?
At IMBA Theatre, visitors can expect: 360-degree immersive projections and large-scale visuals, audiovisual storytelling with narration and music, gallery exhibitions featuring original artworks, and interactive experiences like digital installations and photo booths. The venue also includes a retail store and experiential zones for a full-day cultural outing.
Who is IMBA Theatre suitable for?
IMBA Theatre is ideal for: Art and culture enthusiasts, couples and groups looking for unique experiences, tourists exploring Gardens by the Bay, and anyone interested in immersive exhibitions in Singapore. While it’s accessible to most visitors, younger children may need supervision depending on the exhibition format.
