Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay Theater

Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981

Website: https://www.esplanade.com/

Hours: Complex open daily; box office hours vary by event

Admission: Ticket prices vary by performance (theatres and concert halls have separate pricing); public spaces around the complex are free

Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay is a major performing arts centre on the Marina Bay waterfront in central Singapore, opened in 2002 and intended as a national arts venue. The complex is notable for its twin rounded roof domes covered in sun-shading elements.

The venue houses a 1,600-seat Concert Hall optimised for orchestral and choral music and a 2,000-seat Theatre configured for opera, dance and large-scale theatrical productions. In addition to these main venues, multiple smaller studios and recital spaces host chamber concerts, community performances and rehearsals, while outdoor plazas and waterfront stages are used for public events and festivals.

Planned and constructed in the late 1990s as part of Singapore’s cultural infrastructure expansion, the Esplanade opened in 2002 to provide dedicated, purpose-built performance venues and public event space on Marina Bay. Since opening it has hosted local and international touring performing arts companies as well as community programming.

The complex sits on the southern edge of Marina Bay, within walking distance of the central business district and major tourist sites such as the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands, with direct pedestrian access from surrounding promenades.

• Opening and location: The complex opened in 2002 and is situated on the Marina Bay waterfront adjacent to the central business district, making it easy to combine with other city-center attractions.
• Distinctive architecture: The pair of distinctive rounded, spiky domes are fitted with sun-shading elements that give the complex its locally nicknamed ‘durian’ appearance.

What to See#

• Concert Hall (1,600 seats): A 1,600-seat Concert Hall designed for symphonic and choral performances with acoustics tuned for classical and large ensemble music.
• Theatre (2,000 seats): A 2,000-seat Theatre configured for opera, theatre and dance performances with a proscenium stage and backstage facilities.
• Studio and recital spaces: Smaller performance spaces and rehearsal studios including a recital studio and a theatre studio used for chamber performances, workshops and community events.
• Outdoor performance spaces: Outdoor waterfront plaza and performing platforms used for festivals, free performances and public events along the Marina Bay promenade.

The Esplanade is a five- to ten-minute walk from Raffle Place or City Hall MRT stations via the sheltered Esplanade Bridge; buses also stop nearby. It sits on the north bank of Marina Bay, adjacent to the Merlion and the Singapore Flyer.

• Book performances well in advance - international and local shows sell out, especially during the Singapore Arts Festival.
• Walk the rooftop terrace at dusk for views of Marina Bay and the Merlion area.
• Check the Esplanade's season calendar - free outdoor performances and community events are common.