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 at Gardens by the Bay
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.
GIVEAWAY: Stand to Win Family Tickets to ZOOOM by Patch Theatre Worth $200
3 Recycling Adventures: Fun Ideas For Kids & Families
1:1 & Small Group English Lessons: How to Get Personalised, English Help
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.
Harnessing Digital and Media Technology to Create a Larger-than-life Environment
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.
This will allow it to showcase works by artists in Singapore and around the world.
Black Box Theatre and Gallery Space
IMBA Theatre will feature a Black Box Theatre and a Gallery Space.
Black Box Theatre is 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.
The Black Box Theatre will be one of the tallest in Southeast Asia. It is designed for immersive exhibitions and future-oriented arts, culture and lifestyle events.
The Gallery Space covers an area of 12,500 square feet and a height of 6.5 metres, the space is designed for traditional and mixed media showcases.
There will also be thoughtfully curated retail and dining experiences, offering visitors unique, differentiated opportunities that complement the immersive environment and celebrate creativity and innovation.
Collaboration with Local and International Artists
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.
In early 2025, IMBA commissioned a floor artwork by multidisciplinary artist Romon Kimin Yang (also known as Rostarr) to mark the start of exciting plans ahead for IMBA Theatre, and also its collaboration with international artists.
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.
In Singapore, 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.
