IMBA Theatre, Singapore’s first venue dedicated to large-scale immersive experiences, will open at Gardens by the Bay in December 2025. Presented by the new entity IMBA (Immersive Media Based Arts), created by local edutainment group H&B, the theatre aims to engage audiences with immersive storytelling and big ideas in emotional ways.
IMBA Theatre will offer year-round arts and culture events at Gardens by the Bay, featuring a versatile space that blends technology and creativity. It will showcase local and global exhibitions, performances, and more, encouraging audiences to engage with art in new ways.
In collaboration with ACRE Design, Arina International Holdings, DP Architects, and Kaizen Architecture, the new venue uses digital and media technology to host interactive exhibitions, live performances, and cultural showcases by local and global artists.
IMBA Theatre will feature a 1,858m² Black Box Theatre with a 12.5m-high projection wall, designed for exhibitions and events. The 1,161m² Gallery Space, with a height of 6.5m, will host media showcases. Retail and dining experiences will also be available.
IMBA Theatre will provide a platform for artistic exchange, bringing together local and international creatives through immersive storytelling. It will showcase Singapore’s diverse arts scene and offer an evolving selection of programmes. Partnering with London-based Lightroom, a leader in immersive storytelling, IMBA will deliver world-class experiences. The Theatre will open in December with The Botero Show, an immersive exhibition featuring works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, including his iconic sculptures displayed across indoor and outdoor spaces.
IMBA Theatre will highlight Singapore’s cultural heritage, showcasing the Nanyang style, which blends Chinese and Western techniques to portray South-east Asian themes, along with murals reflecting the city’s past.
In collaboration with Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design & Media, IMBA will develop local and global IP content, supporting the growth of talent and innovation to enrich Singapore’s cultural and creative industries.
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.”
Felix Loh, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, added: “Gardens by the Bay constantly refreshes our offerings so that there is always something novel for our visitors… IMBA Theatre will reach out to both regular and new audiences by offering innovative immersive experiences amid the iconic setting of the gardens.”
