IMBA Theatre Opens at Gardens by the Bay with World-Class Immersive Art Experiences

Singapore’s cultural landscape has gained a major new landmark with the official opening of IMBA Theatre at Gardens by the Bay. Touted as the country’s first venue dedicated to large-scale immersive storytelling and gallery exhibitions, IMBA Theatre opens with two major international presentations that blend art, technology, and cinematic-scale storytelling.

The launch was officiated by David Neo, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, alongside representatives from IMBA and Gardens by the Bay.

A New 80,000-Square-Foot Cultural Destination

Spanning more than 80,000 square feet, IMBA Theatre is designed as a multi-format cultural venue featuring:

• A major exhibition gallery
• Two state-of-the-art black box theatres
• Immersive projection and sound systems
• Curated lifestyle spaces

Visitors can also explore a range of integrated experiences, including a retail store, wellness dining concept, and the Prudential Experience Zone, created in partnership with Prudential Singapore to mark its 95th anniversary.

Two Major Opening Exhibitions

IMBA Theatre debuts with two flagship immersive experiences that highlight its ambition to become a regional hub for cultural storytelling.

Botero in Singapore: A World-First Tri-Format Experience

The first highlight is “Botero in Singapore”, the world’s first and largest tri-format presentation dedicated to Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

The experience features nearly 130 original works, including sculptures, paintings, and drawings, spread across IMBA Theatre and Gardens by the Bay.

A key feature is “A Life in Fullness”, a 40-minute audiovisual portrait of Botero created in close collaboration with his family. Narrated and co-produced with his son, the experience explores the artist’s life, legacy, and personal journey beyond his iconic style known as “Boterismo.”

The exhibition also includes the extended showcase “Heart of Volume”, now running until 31 May 2026. Ticket holders for “A Life in Fullness” will also receive complimentary access to this gallery.

Tickets for “A Life in Fullness” will be available from 21 April 2026, 4pm via IMBA’s official website.

David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not Smaller and Further Away)

The second major opening is the Southeast Asia premiere of “David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not Smaller and Further Away)”, presented in partnership with Lightroom UK.

The immersive experience spans six decades of works by British artist David Hockney, featuring iconic pieces, lesser-seen works, and new creations developed specifically for the format.

Set to an original score by composer Nico Muhly and narrated by Hockney himself, the experience is designed to place audiences directly inside the artist’s evolving visual world.

IMBA Theatre is currently the only venue in Southeast Asia licensed to present Lightroom UK’s immersive productions.

Beyond Art: A Full Lifestyle Experience

IMBA Theatre also integrates lifestyle and experiential offerings across its space, transforming it into a multi-purpose cultural destination.

Prudential Experience Zone

A standout feature is the Prudential Experience Zone, a 14-metre interactive digital passage that blends storytelling, self-discovery, and playful digital transformation.

Visitors can:

• Create personalised avatars
• Travel through a virtual world inspired by Singapore landmarks
• Explore “Lah Lah Land,” featuring whimsical interpretations of local icons such as the Singapore Flyer, Esplanade, and even a chilli crab castle

The experience also includes a Botero-inspired photo booth, allowing visitors to transform their images into the artist’s signature rounded style.

Retail, Dining and Community Spaces

IMBA Stacked Store

The IMBA Stacked Store offers curated merchandise and collectibles inspired by current exhibitions. Highlights include exclusive Botero-themed items such as:

• Art prints
• Rugs
• Mugs
• Umbrellas

The store blends design, art, and lifestyle retail into a single visitor experience.

Realm Café (Opening June 2026)

From June 2026, IMBA will also introduce Realm Café, a wellness-focused dining space designed to complement the immersive environment. The café will also host community and wellbeing programmes.

Supporting Local and Global Artists

Alongside international exhibitions, IMBA is committed to supporting Singapore’s creative community.

Its inaugural local showcase features works by Singaporean artist IC Koh, marking the beginning of a broader initiative to spotlight homegrown talent.

IMBA will also collaborate with institutions such as Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design and Media to develop new creative works and intellectual property.