Mr Michael Lee, CEO of H&B and IMBA with Mr Fernando Botero Jr., son of the late artist Fernando Botero (Image courtesy of IMBA).
Even though this news came out a little while ago, I still find myself thinking about it, and honestly, the excitement hasn’t worn off one bit. Coming this December, IMBA Theatre is set to open its doors at Gardens by the Bay, and it might just become my new favorite cultural escape in Singapore.
Suppose you haven’t heard about it yet. In that case, IMBA (short for Immersive Media Based Arts) is a bold new venue that’s all about large-scale, immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Think art, tech, sound, and storytelling all coming together in one incredible space. It’ll be the first of its kind in Singapore, and I genuinely believe it’s going to change how we experience the arts here.
“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.” --- Michael Lee, CEO of H&B
Fernando Botero - Sculpture & Painting (Image courtesy of IMBA)
But here’s what really sealed the deal for me:
✨ The Botero Show is opening the Theatre.
Yes, that Botero! He is one of my all-time favorite artists. There’s just something so captivating about his signature style: the bold, voluptuous forms, the quiet humor, and the way his works make space for both joy and reflection. I’ve always admired how Botero captures life’s richness through such a unique lens. And now, his works are coming to life (quite literally) in an immersive format, right here in Singapore.
The show promises to be a grand experience, featuring his paintings, drawings, and even monumental sculptures that will be displayed both inside the theater and across the surrounding outdoor spaces. Just imagining being surrounded by his world in such an intimate and immersive way? Absolute dream.
IMBA Theatre – Black Box (Image courtesy of IMBA)
And that’s only the beginning. IMBA Theatre itself is a creative marvel in the making:
- A Black Box Theatre that spans over 20,000 sq ft, with a 12.5m high projection wall (one of the tallest in Southeast Asia!)
- A spacious Gallery for traditional and mixed media showcases
- Thoughtfully curated dining and retail, designed to enhance the storytelling experience
What I also love is that this isn’t just about international names, IMBA will shine a light on local talent and culture too, including Singapore’s very own Yip Yew Chong, whose nostalgic murals I’ve always adored. Plus, there’ll be tributes to the Nanyang style, which blends Chinese and Western techniques with Southeast Asian themes, a beautiful nod to our region’s rich artistic history.
IMBA Theatre – Gallery Space (Image courtesy of IMBA)
And what makes this project feel extra special to me is that IMBA is also partnering with Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design & Media, my very own alma mater! It’s so heartening to see NYP at the forefront of nurturing creative talent and being part of something this groundbreaking. Together, they’ll be developing original global and local content for the Theatre, blending education, innovation, and storytelling in a way that feels incredibly close to home. Together with collaborations lined up with London-based Lightroom and a host of international and local creatives, there’s so much to look forward to ~~~
So yes! Even though we still have to wait a little longer, I’ve already mentally bookmarked December for this. If you’re someone who loves storytelling, art, and getting completely absorbed in new worlds (like I do), keep IMBA Theatre on your radar. I’ll definitely be sharing more once The Botero Show opens, and you can bet I’ll be right there on day one, soaking it all in.
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