IMBA At Gardens By The Bay
If you’ve walked past the West Lawn at Gardens by the Bay recently, you might have noticed a massive new structure popping up next to Bayfront Plaza. That’s IMBA, and it’s about to become your new artsy weekend hangout.
IMBA, which stands for Immersive Museum of Beyond Art, is here to shake things up. From world-class digital art to sculptures and a gift shop curated by viral home decor store Stacked, here is everything you need to know about Singapore’s latest cultural landmark.
What is IMBA?
IMBA is a new international institution making its big debut right here in Singapore. They’ve teamed up with heavy hitters like the Fernando Botero Foundation and Lightroom UK to bring world-class shows to our shores.
What exactly is it? Think of it as a theatre for art. Instead of just hanging frames on a wall, they use massive projections, spatial sound, and clever storytelling to bring art to life. It’s the kind of place where you just want to spend an entire afternoon wandering around.
While the current exhibitions – Botero in Singapore and David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not Smaller and Further Away) – are ticketed, the outdoor sculptures are free to view and already waiting for your selfies!
How to get to IMBA
It’s located at the IMBA Theatre, West Lawn, right next to Bayfront Plaza at Gardens by the Bay. Super convenient – just a 9-minute walk from Bayfront MRT on the Circle/Downtown Line.
What is currently going on at IMBA?
Botero in Singapore
If you’ve ever seen a painting of a very round, chubby person or a horse that looks like it’s been eating well, you’ve likely seen a Botero.
Maestro Fernando Botero is one of the world’s most famous artists, and IMBA is hosting the largest showcase of his work ever staged globally. He was a Colombian artist famous for his Boterismo style, which depicts people and figures in large, exaggerated volumes.
Heart of Volume – The gallery
For those who like paintings, this gallery exhibition features 118 original works directly from the Botero family’s private collection.
We’re talking paintings, drawings, and indoor sculptures. It opened on 13th February 2026 and will go on until 18th May 2026.
Ticket prices are as follows:
| Resident | Non-resident | |
| Non-peak (Mon-Fri) | $15/adult
$9/child |
$18/adult
$12/child |
| Peak (Sat, Sun & PH) | $18/adult
$11/child |
$21/adult
$15/child |
BTW, this exhibition is rated Advisory 16 due to some nudity. While kiddos under 16 are permitted, parental guidance is advised.
Garden Grandeur – Outdoor sculptures
You don’t even need a ticket to enjoy some of the Botero magic. There are 10 monumental bronze sculptures scattered across the IMBA Theatre and the Silver Garden. These are massive. Botero believed art should be part of everyday life, so feel free to wander around them and snap some photos.
A Life in Fullness – An immersive experience
Opening this month, this is the world’s first immersive Botero show. Instead of just looking at a painting, you’re stepping into his world.
It’s a 45-minute audiovisual journey narrated by his son. It covers his life from Colombia to international fame, dealing with themes of love, loss, and being a bit of a rebel.
Shiok factor: It’s not just static images; the animation and sound make his iconic “Boterismo” style feel alive. It’s like being inside a very colourful, very round dream.
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (Not Smaller and Further Away)
If you thought the Botero show was impressive, wait until you see the Southeast Asia premiere of David Hockney: Bigger & Closer.
David Hockney is basically the rockstar of the art world, and one of the most influential British artists alive. This immersive experience, on now until 30th June 2026, brought over from Lightroom UK, uses 6 chapters of giant projections and a soundtrack by Nico Muhly to explain how Hockney sees the world.
He’s famous for his bright Los Angeles swimming pools and iPad drawings. The show is literally what the title says: it’s bigger and closer. You get to see the brushstrokes and even the digital lines at a scale that makes you feel like an ant in a very beautiful garden. It’s a total vibe and arguably the most aesthetic spot in Singapore right now.
Ticket prices are as follows:
| Resident | Non-resident | |
| Non-peak (Mon-Fri) | $32/adult
$22/child |
$40/adult
$28/child |
| Peak (Sat, Sun & PH) | $38/adult
$26/child |
$47/adult $33/child |
Gifts by The Stacked Store
Usually, museum gift shops are filled with overpriced postcards and dusty bookmarks. Not this one. IMBA has partnered with The Stacked Store – yes, the folks you usually turn to for quirky home decor – to launch a brand-new gift store.
Bringing their eye for lifestyle items and good design, Stacked has curated a retail space that feels more like a cool boutique than a souvenir stand. Expect home decor pieces that actually look good in an HDB flat, lifestyle accessories that don’t scream tourist, and exclusive Botero-themed merch that you’d actually be proud to display on your sideboard.
It’s about bringing that IMBA lifestyle home with you. If you’ve been looking for that one statement piece for your living room, this is where you’ll find it.
How to get the most out of your visit
Go early for the outdoors: Start with the Garden Grandeur sculptures at the Silver Garden while the sun is still out for the best lighting.
Dress comfy but cute: You’ll be walking between the outdoor sculptures and the indoor theatre. Plus, the backdrops are stunning, so wear something that pops against bright colours.
Is IMBA Gardens by the Bay kid-friendly?
Yes, IMBA is designed to be multi-generational.
The immersive David Hockney show in particular is visually engaging for kids, and the outdoor sculptures are perfect for families to explore together.
Put IMBA on your list of places to visit this weekend
Singapore has no shortage of things to do, but IMBA feels like something genuinely fresh. It bridges the gap between a high-end art gallery and a fun, accessible lifestyle destination.
Whether you’re a hardcore art lover or just someone looking for a cool new spot to explore with your friends, IMBA at Gardens by the Bay is a must-visit.
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Photography by Aditi Kashyap.