IMBA Theatre: New Immersive Art Theatre at Gardens by the Bay

The IMBA Theatre is scheduled to open in December 2025 in Gardens by the Bay. It will be a significant addition to Singapore’s cultural landscape, particularly for families and art enthusiasts. This venue, supplied by IMBA (Immersive Media Based Arts) aims to change the way audiences interact with art through immersive, multi-sensory experiences. The program employs cutting-edge digital and video technology to create a “larger-than-life environment,” hosting interactive exhibitions, live concerts, and cultural events all year. This emphasis on accessibility and involvement makes it a desirable destination for family vacations, particularly for Singaporeans seeking new and engaging activities. BusyKidd recommends!

Venue Design and Facilities

The theatre is strategically located within the family-friendly Gardens by the Bay, enhancing its appeal with existing amenities like restrooms and seating areas, ideal for breaks with young children. It comprises two primary spaces:

Black Box Theatre: Spanning 20,000 square feet, this space features a 12.5-meter-high projection wall, noted as the tallest in Southeast Asia. It’s designed for immersive exhibitions and multi-sensory experiences, likened to stepping into a storybook, captivating both kids and adults.
Gallery Space: Covering 12,500 square feet with a 6.5-meter ceiling, this area is tailored for traditional and mixed-media art showcases, encouraging family exploration of local and international artworks, potentially sparking creativity in young minds.

Beyond the exhibition spaces, IMBA Theatre will include retail and dining options, ensuring a seamless full-day adventure. This convenience is particularly appealing for families, allowing them to grab a meal or pick up keepsakes without leaving the venue. For frequent visitors, the IMBA Circle membership program offers exclusive perks, such as early bird tickets, which are especially useful during busy periods like school holidays or weekends.

Grand Opening and Cultural Programming

The grand opening in December 2025 will feature “The Botero Show in Singapore,” an immersive exhibition celebrating Fernando Botero’s iconic sculptures and paintings. This is particularly relevant for families familiar with Botero’s larger-than-life works seen at locations like Raffles Place or Parkview Square, offering a fresh perspective through immersive technology.

Additionally, the venue will highlight Singapore’s cultural heritage through exhibits on the Nanyang art style and works by local muralist Yip Yew Chong, whose nostalgic murals depict scenes from Singapore’s past. This programming provides an engaging educational component, allowing children to learn about history while enjoying vibrant visuals, an unexpected yet valuable aspect for family visits.

Partnerships and Educational Initiatives

Collaborations at IMBA Theatre broaden its reach, notably for educational family events. A relationship with London-based Lightroom offers world-class immersive storytelling experiences, leveraging global knowledge to improve exhibition quality. Locally, the cooperation with Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design & Media intends to create educational programs, which may include family-friendly workshops or activities during the school vacations. This emphasis on hands-on learning adds an unexpected dimension, appealing to mothers looking for enriching experiences for their children and hinting to future prospects for interactive participation.

Family-Centric Appeal

The venue’s architecture and programming are obviously geared toward family, with year-round activities that blend entertainment and education. The location in Gardens by the Bay, which is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, makes it even more accessible. Retail and eating alternatives provide practicality, while the possibility of educational courses implies a more comprehensive experience. For mothers, IMBA Theatre provides a unique alternative to regular trips, establishing shared experiences and instilling curiosity in children through art and culture.

IMBA Theatre, which will open in December 2025 in Gardens by the Bay, is ready to become a new popular family destination, offering immersive art experiences, educational opportunities, and cultural highlights. Its architecture, programming, and collaborations point to a multipurpose, family-friendly attraction that blends entertainment and education, making it a promising promise for Singapore’s cultural landscape.

Featured image and images Credit: IMBA