Set to open in December 2025, IMBA Theatre will be the latest attraction at Gardens by the Bay, merging technology, art, and storytelling to redefine audience engagement with art and culture in Singapore
Singapore, 19 March 2025 – IMBA Theatre, the first venue of its kind dedicated to large-scale, immersive experiences in Singapore, will launch by the end of 2025. It will be the latest attraction at Gardens by the Bay when it opens its doors in December.
It is presented by IMBA, short for ‘Immersive Media Based Arts’, a new entity by homegrown edutainment group H&B, and aims to create a world where everyone can connect with big ideas through immersive and emotional storytelling, in extraordinary and exciting ways.
IMBA Theatre is set to present year-round multi-experiential arts and culture events for new and existing audiences at Gardens by the Bay after its launch. It will be a versatile space that uses technology and creativity to showcase local and global exhibitions, performances and more. Audiences are encouraged to engage with art in new and meaningful ways at this premier destination.
Michael Lee, CEO of H&B, said, “IMBA Theatre is more than just a venue; it is a space designed for scale and adaptability to inspire wonder and allow audiences to foster deeper connections with the arts and the world around us. Conceptualised by IMBA, the Theatre will be a portal to immersive encounters to create moments of wonder and a lifetime of inspiration. It will merge technology, creativity and impactful storytelling in the way we showcase local talent and global artistry. This is a testament to our commitment to creating transformative experiences that bridge tradition and innovation, and cement Singapore’s position as a global cultural hub.”
Felix Loh, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, said, “Gardens by the Bay constantly refreshes our offerings so that there is always something novel for our visitors. Gardens by the Bay is the world’s leading show garden that encapsulates the best of nature, art and technology, and IMBA Theatre will reach out to both regular and new audiences by offering innovative immersive experiences amidst the iconic setting of the Gardens.”
Conceptualisation of IMBA Theatre
Driven by H&B’s innovative vision, IMBA brings together the talents of renowned collaborators, including ACRE Design, Arina International Holdings, DP Architects, and Kaizen Architecture. The versatile IMBA Theatre integrates cutting-edge digital and media technology to create a larger-than-life environment that presents everything from interactive exhibitions and live performances, to cultural showcases by artists in Singapore and around the world.
IMBA Theatre will feature:
- Black Box Theatre: With a space of more than 20,000 square feet and a 12.5-metre-high projection wall – one of the tallest in Southeast Asia, this state-of-the-art black box theatre is designed for immersive exhibitions and future-oriented arts, culture and lifestyle events.
- Gallery Space: Covering an area of 12,500 square feet and a height of 6.5 metres, the space is designed for traditional and mixed media showcases.
- Thoughtfully curated retail and dining experiences, offering visitors unique, differentiated opportunities that complement the immersive environment and celebrate creativity and innovation.
A Creative Space for Local and Global Talents
With a focus on bridging artistic exchange between local and international creatives, IMBA Theatre offers a platform for cultural exchange and dynamic storytelling. Audiences can experience the richness and diversity of Singapore’s local arts and culture scene, while enjoying a continually evolving selection of quality programmes that brings them into a world of shared discovery.
IMBA will partner with London-based Lightroom, a leading name in immersive storytelling, as one of its key collaborators for content development. As part of a broader network of partnerships, Lightroom will play a pivotal role in delivering a line-up of world-class experiences at the Theatre.
IMBA Theatre will launch in December with The Botero Show in Singapore, the grandest immersive experience that shines a light on paintings and drawings by the iconic Columbian artist Fernando Botero. A familiar figure in Singapore’s arts landscape, Botero’s larger-than-life sculptures can be found dotted across the city. Art lovers and the public can look forward to his monumental sculptures displayed across both indoor and outdoor spaces at The Botero Show.
IMBA Theatre will celebrate Singapore’s cultural heritage, with a spotlight on the Nanyang style, an art movement pioneered by Singapore artists that blended Chinese and Western art techniques to depict Southeast Asian themes. There will also be a showcase by self-taught muralist Yip Yew Chong, renowned for his nostalgic murals that capture the essence of Singapore’s past, from Kampong scenes to traditional trades.
As part of efforts to nurture future generations of talents, IMBA will collaborate with Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design & Media (NYP-SDM) to develop global and local IP content for the Theatre. This partnership highlights NYP’s role in nurturing industry-ready talent and fostering innovation through the integration of education, creativity, and technology. Together, IMBA Theatre and NYP-SDM aim to contribute to Singapore’s vibrant cultural scene and creative economy.
