IMBA Theatre’s Black Box space occupies more than 20,000 square feet and a 12.5-metre-high projection wall – one of the tallest in Southeast Asia. It is designed for immersive exhibitions and future-oriented arts, culture and lifestyle events. Credit: IMBA.
Set to open in December 2025 at Gardens by the Bay, IMBA Theatre will be Singapore’s first venue dedicated to large-scale immersive experiences. Combining technology, art, and storytelling, the venue aims to redefine how audiences connect with arts and culture.
Presented by IMBA (Immersive Media-Based Arts) — a new initiative by homegrown edutainment group H&B — IMBA Theatre will offer year-round multi-experiential events, including local and global exhibitions, performances, and cultural showcases.
A New Era of Immersive Arts
Michael Lee, CEO of H&B, described IMBA Theatre as more than just a venue, but a portal to immersive encounters, blending technology, creativity, and impactful storytelling.
Felix Loh, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, emphasised that the theatre will provide innovative immersive experiences within the Gardens, further cementing Singapore’s position as a global cultural hub.
Mr Adam Oei, Managing Director, IMBA. Credit: IMBA.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Designed in collaboration with ACRE Design, DP Architects, Arina International Holdings, and Kaizen Architecture, the versatile IMBA Theatre will feature:
Black Box Theatre – A 20,000 sq. ft. space with a 12.5m-high projection wall, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest, designed for immersive exhibitions and arts events.
Gallery Space – A 12,500 sq. ft. area dedicated to traditional and mixed-media showcases.
Curated Retail & Dining – Unique experiences that complement the immersive environment and celebrate creativity.
A Global and Local Creative Hub
IMBA Theatre aims to bridge artistic exchange by showcasing Singaporean talent alongside international creatives. The theatre’s dynamic storytelling and world-class programming will provide audiences with transformative cultural experiences.
A key global partnership will be with London-based Lightroom, a leader in immersive storytelling, which will help develop and deliver world-class experiences at the theatre.
From Left: Mr Michael Lee, CEO of IMBA and H&B; Mr Fernando Botero Jr.; Dr Thomas Wide, Head of International, Lightroom; Mr Jason Song, Chief Operating Officer, IMBA; Mr Adam Oei, Managing Director, IMBA. Credit: IMBA.
Grand Opening: The Botero Show
IMBA Theatre will debut with The Botero Show, a spectacular immersive experience featuring the paintings and drawings of Colombian artist Fernando Botero. A familiar name in Singapore’s arts scene, Botero’s monumental sculptures can already be seen across the city. This exhibition will feature both indoor and outdoor displays of his iconic work.
Honouring Singapore’s Cultural Heritage
IMBA Theatre will celebrate Singapore’s artistic legacy, with a focus on the Nanyang art movement, which blended Chinese and Western techniques to depict Southeast Asian themes.
A special showcase of murals by Yip Yew Chong, a self-taught artist known for his nostalgic depictions of Singapore’s past, will also be featured.
IMBA Theatre’s Gallery Space covers an area of 12,500 square feet and a height of 6.5 metres. It is designed for traditional and mixed media showcases. Credit: IMBA.
Fostering Future Talent
In a bid to nurture the next generation of creatives, IMBA Theatre is partnering with Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design & Media (NYP-SDM) to develop global and local intellectual property (IP) content. This collaboration aims to merge education, creativity, and technology, ensuring that Singapore’s cultural scene and creative economy continue to thrive.
With groundbreaking immersive experiences, a commitment to artistic innovation, and a blend of global and local influences, IMBA Theatre is set to become a game-changer in Singapore’s arts scene, redefining the way audiences experience culture, storytelling, and creativity.
