Botero in Singapore

Everything happened at once. My heartbeat quickened as I took in the “scenes from home” set to the rhythmic pulse of Latino music. A fizzle of excitement made me linger in front of each artwork. I felt alive, and forgotten memories started surfacing … …”yo soy quindiana“.

I was at the “Botero in Singapore” exhibition at the new IMBA Theatre (Immersive Media Based Arts), nestled within Gardens by the Bay. The venue is dedicated to multi-experiential arts, culture, and lifestyle events. The exhibition features more than 130 of the maestro’s original works—supposedly the largest Botero exhibition in the world—and marks his only stop in Southeast Asia. As a self-proclaimed fan, I simply had to visit! 

At first glance, the space didn’t seem as expansive as the Botero Museum in Bogotá or the Museo de Antioquia in Medellín, though my memory could be warped. What made the experience special were the audio narratives by Botero’s son.

They offered an intimate glimpse into the maestro’s life and ideals. It was clear from his stories that Botero was a true rebel, but one with great dedication, gentleness, and a sense of humor.

I suppose that’s why I embrace Boterismo. Botero was a master of his craft who was never afraid to tackle uncomfortable subjects. While his work may appear controversial to some, I love its absurdity and its dry, yet gentle, humor. To me, Boterismo is BIG, BOLD, and FULL of life.

Are you also a fan of Botero?

Important Info:

This exhibition runs till 18th May 2026. If you plan to visit, I highly recommend you to visit on a weekday where tickets are cheaper and the crowd lesser. If you are an avid fan, allocate at least 1 – 1.5 hour. If you leave a Google review, you could get a complimentary Botero poster (while stock lasts).

The above information is based on the author’s own experience and should only be used as a reference. For more information on the destination, do check out the official website:  https://tickets.imbaglobal.com/attraction/botero-heart-69925