Singapore to house world’s biggest Maestro Fernando Botero exhibition – the only stop in Southeast Asia

Prepare for some heavy-hitting art, because a Maestro Fernando Botero exhibition is coming to town. Things are about to get massive, and by massive, we are talking about over 130 original artworks by one of the world’s most beloved artists – featuring paintings, drawings, indoor sculptures, and his signature oversized bronzes, exhibited all over the Gardens by the Bay and IMBA Theatre. Titled Botero in Singapore, this exhibition marks Botero’s only stop in Southeast Asia, and yes, it’s the biggest Botero exhibition the world has ever seen.

Front and centre is Life in Fullness, the world’s first immersive Botero experience. Narrated by Botero’s son, the audiovisual journey is 45 minutes of animation, archival footage, and storytelling that paints the man behind the curves: father, rebel, and human being who’s lived, loved, and occasionally made the world laugh. 

Meanwhile, Heart of Volume serves 118 works spanning his 70-year career from the Botero family collection. Tiny watercolours? Check. Monumental paintings? Check. Oversized sculptures? Check. These works trace Botero’s signature Boterismo style, his love for classical composition, and his flirtations with modern masters like Picasso. Many of these pieces are Singapore premieres, so if you snooze, you might miss some of the rarer gems.

As a supporter of art in public places, it goes without doubt that Botero wouldn’t keep his art confined indoors. Garden Grandeur spreads the love outside with 10 monumental bronze sculptures – four at IMBA Theatre and six across Gardens by the Bay – taking over the Silver Leaf Garden.

For a taste of Botero, Shangri-La Singapore is serving a Botero-inspired afternoon tea from January 8 to March 1, 2026, featuring sweet and savoury delights in the artist's spirit.

This exhibition also kicks off IMBA’s Singapore debut, setting the stage for future must-see shows – including the Southeast Asia premiere of David Hockney: Bigger & Closer.

Dates have yet to be announced, so stay tuned here for more updates or check back on their website here.

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