About

The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is a stunning waterside building located on six hectares of waterfront land alongside Marina Bay near the mouth of the Singapore River. Esplanade was named for the nearby Esplanade Park, one of the oldest public parks in Singapore. Esplanade sits entirely on reclaimed land. Officially opened in 2002, this architectural icon with its distinctive twin shells is the center of performing arts in Singapore. Surrounded by the high-rise buildings of Singapore, Esplanade is also designed to be viewed from above. The unique architectural design has been said to have an appearance similar to either a durian (a tropical fruit) or the eyes of a fly. It features a 1,600-seat Concert Hall, a 2,000-seat Theatre and some smaller performing arts venues. The Esplanade also contains art installation spaces, a library, retail units, restaurants, and cafes.

Architecture & Building Design

You might be surprised to find that the initial architectural designs of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay were nowhere as eye-catching as what we see today. From a flower-shaped layout that represented a lantern in a park, to what was described as "concrete blobs", the center's architectural design was from the very start, an issue that invited comments and criticism.

The final design by DP Architects and Michael Wilford & Partners eventually put Esplanade on the map. Its eye-catching spiky twin-domes became an iconic addition to Marina Bay. This was firmly cemented in 2013, when the center came to be featured on Singapore's five-cent coins.

The real beauty of Esplanade, however, is within its domes. Just like Esplanade's uniquely cladded exterior, its interior and performance spaces were also designed in consultation with three advisory groups comprising 74 members, developers, a retail company and government bodies, as well as a panel of seven Asian art experts! This ensured that Esplanade would be able to accommodate the demands of Asian arts performances, particularly those of the traditional arts.

Esplanade's stunning Concert Hall is the masterwork of the late respected acoustician Russell Johnson of Artec Consultants Inc. Johnson's cutting-edge approach to acoustics resulted in our Concert Hall possessing one of the best acoustics among concert halls around the world. With innovative and refined acoustic features, this world-class performing venue can also be adjusted to suit a wide range of Asian and Western arts performances across genres.

Esplanade Guided Tour

Experience the sublime acoustics of the Esplanade Concert Hall and take a seat in the majestic Esplanade Theatre. This tour gives you a peek under Esplanade’s famous domes, taking you into the auditoriums of our Concert Hall, Theatre and other front-of-house spaces.

Along the way, find out about Esplanade’s architecture and history and pick up other interesting nuggets of information such as how the Esplanade Concert Hall can be tuned to sound like a small room or a huge cathedral, and how external noise and vibration is prevented from traveling into the performance venues.

• Mon – Fri, 11:00 am (excl. public holidays)
• Adults: $20
• Seniors, Students & Children: $10

Esplanade Backstage Tours

Ever wondered how a performer can seemingly emerge from under the stage during a concert? Or where large sets are hidden on stage, away from the audience’s view during a theatre performance? Come on one of our Esplanade Backstage Tours to uncover these secrets and experience more!

From the Esplanade Concert Hall under-stage to the massive Esplanade Theatre stage; from a dressing room that has hosted world-famous artists to the Green Room where artists mingle, our Backstage Tours will take you to exclusive areas that are off-limits to the public. After the Backstage Tour, top off your experience with either a makan (dining) session of local delights or share a toast with specially-concocted cocktails at the Esplanade Roof Terrace.

• Mon – Fri, 4.30pm (excl. public holidays)
• Adults: $70 (A minimum group size of 6 people is required to book a tour. All tour participants must be 12 years old and above.)

Group, Private or Customised Tours

• Mon – Fri, 8.30am – 4.30pm (excl. public holidays)
• Approximately 2 hours
• Adults: $50
  
• Seniors, Students & Children: $35

*Rates for seniors may be enjoyed by those aged 60 and above. Rates for children may be enjoyed by those aged 12 and below.

For booking or inquiries, email foh@esplanade.com or call +65 6828 8377 between 8.30am – 6 pm daily.

Tips

• If you wish to have the Marina Bay Sands hotel and the fancy night lighting in the background of your photos, snap your photos at night right by the outdoor theatre.
• here are free concerts every weekend from Friday - Sunday.

How to Reach

By Bus

Bus Stop No. 02061 (The Esplanade)

Buses stop outside Esplanade Mall entrance along Raffles Avenue. Bus service numbers 36, 56, 70M, 75, 77, 97, 97e, 106, 111, 133, 162M, 171, 195, 531, 700A, 857, 960, 961, 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N, 6N, NR1, NR2, NR5, NR6, NR7, NR8

Bus Stop No. 02111 (Esplanade Bridge)

Buses stop along Esplanade Drive. Bus service numbers 10, 57, 70, 128, 162, 196, 531, 652, 656, 660, 700, 850E, 868, 951E, 971E

By MRT

City Hall MRT (North-South (red) or East-West (green) line)

Esplanade MRT (Circle Line)

By Taxi

The taxi stand is located at the entrance to Esplanade Mall along Raffles Avenue.

Timings