New immersive arts theatre opening at Gardens by the Bay in Dec. 2025

A new immersive arts theatre will be opening at Gardens by the Bay in December 2025.

The venue, IMBA Threatre, is touted as the first of its kind and dedicated to large-scale, immersive experiences in Singapore.

IMBA, which stands for "Immersive Media Based Arts", is a new entity developed by homegrown edutainment group Hustle and Bustle (H&B).

In a Mar. 19 press release announcing the imminent opening of IMBA Theatre, H&B and IMBA said the venue is "set to present year-round multi-experiential arts and culture events".

By leveraging "cutting-edge" digital and media technology, the theatre will allow visitors to experience "a larger-than-life environment" that presents interactive exhibitions, live performances, and cultural showcases, amongst others.

Visitors are encouraged to engage with art at the venue besides appreciating the programmes presented by artists in Singapore and around the world.

What to expect

According to the press release, IMBA Theatre will come with a state-of-the-art black box theatre, designed for immersive exhibitions, as well as arts, culture, and lifestyle events.

Spanning over 20,000 sq ft, the venue will feature a 12.5m-high projection wall, which is one of the tallest in Southeast Asia.

Visitors to IMBA Theatre can also expect a gallery space designed for traditional and mixed-media showcases.

The venue has a size of 12,5000 sq ft and a height of 6.5m.

Additionally, there will be retail and dining options available for visitors, though the press release did not name any specific brands.

Upcoming programmes

In December 2025, IMBA Theatre will launch "The Botero Show", an immersive experience showcasing the paintings and drawings by Columbian artist Fernando Botero.

Botero is the artist behind the huge bronze bird sculpture located near the United Overseas Bank (UOB) Plaza along the Singapore River.

Visitors can expect to see his other sculptures displayed across both indoor and outdoor spaces at "The Botero Show".

Additionally, IMBA Theatre will showcase Singapore's cultural heritage, with a spotlight on the Nanyang style.

The Nanyang style is an art movement pioneered by Singapore artists that blended Chinese and Western art techniques to depict Southeast Asian themes.

Self-taught muralist Yip Yew Chong, who is known for his nostalgic murals that capture Singapore's past, will also put up a showcase of his works at the theatre.

Top images courtesy of IMBA