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.”

“Hustle & Bustle has been creating immersive experiences since 2018, most recently with Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience at Resorts World Sentosa. Bringing these large-scale projects to life takes time, dedication, and the right partners. Over the past nine months, we’ve worked tirelessly to bring together a team of like-minded creators to develop something truly special—an immersive theatre that sparks imagination and ignites the senses,” he adds. “Our vision has always been to redefine how audiences connect with art, using emotional, immersive storytelling to create deep, meaningful experiences. This new theatre represents that ambition, establishing Singapore as a premier destination for world-class experiential art. Ultimately, an incredible space deserves incredible content. That’s why we’re working closely with key partners and leading content creators to make IMBA Theatre a landmark destination for immersive entertainment in Singapore.”

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.”

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.

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. 

Says Dr. Thomas Wide, Head of International, Lightroom: “At Lightroom, our focus has always been on creating spectacular, artist-led experiences—high-quality storytelling developed alongside the world’s most creative minds. From our David Hockney: Bigger & Closer celebration to groundbreaking projects like The Moonwalkers, inspired by Tom Hanks’ visit to our Hockney show, we constantly push the boundaries of immersive storytelling. We’ve explored visual artists, space travel, and even prehistoric life with Prehistoric Planet, bringing dinosaurs to life at a 1:1 scale. Now, we’re thrilled to bring this approach to Singapore, a city known for its dynamism and global outlook.”

“This isn’t just about bringing international shows here—it’s about telling local stories in new and innovative ways. We’re deeply interested in working with Singaporean artists, from exploring the Nanyang art movement and early migrant histories to translating traditional murals into the digital space. By blending these narratives with immersive technology, we can create experiences that resonate both locally and globally,” he adds. “Singapore welcomes millions of visitors each year, making it a perfect place for immersive storytelling to thrive. We want to engage not just audiences but also schools and young creators—the storytellers of tomorrow—through partnerships that push the boundaries of how history, culture, and art are experienced.”

“With this new venue at Gardens by the Bay, we’re establishing a permanent space where we can present different shows year-round. Just as we’ve done in London, where Lightroom has cemented itself as a major player in the cultural landscape, we see Singapore as a key part of our future. We’re excited to collaborate, co-produce, and create truly one-of-a-kind experiences for Singapore and beyond.”

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.

Says Fernando Botero Jr, son of Botero: “My father’s works have left an indelible mark on cities around the world, from his monumental sculptures like The Bird at UOB Plaza 1 to landmarks across Europe and the Americas. It is an honour to be here today to announce the first-ever integral Botero exhibition in Singapore, opening this December at Gardens by the Bay.”

“This exhibition will unfold in two parts. The first will showcase a remarkable collection of his sculptures, bringing together some of his most iconic pieces in one space. The second part will introduce a new digital exhibition, offering an immersive look at his paintings, water colours, and inks. This experience will capture the breadth of Botero’s artistic legacy in an entirely new way, allowing audiences to witness his work at an unprecedented scale,” he adds. “Through stunning visuals, music, and dynamic lighting, visitors will be surrounded by larger-than-life figures—some reaching 4 to 6 meters in height—creating a truly grand and immersive experience. It is a testament to both my father’s artistic vision and Singapore’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and the arts.”

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.

Images courtesy of IMBA

More information about IMBA Theatre available on their platforms:

imbaglobal.com | @be.imba | @imbatheatre | @hustlebustlegroup