If you are looking for a place to experience the best of Singapore’s arts and culture, look no further than Esplanade Theatres on the Bay. This stunning venue is Singapore’s national performing arts centre and one of the world’s busiest arts venues, hosting over 3,000 shows and 10 million guests every year. Whether you are a fan of music, theatre, dance, or visual arts, you will find something to suit your taste and interest at the Esplanade.
The Esplanade is located at the mouth of the Singapore River, overlooking the Marina Bay and the city skyline. Its distinctive architecture, which consists of two rounded glass domes covered by a triangular aluminium sunshade, has earned it the nickname “the Durian”, after the spiky tropical fruit. The Esplanade’s design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and innovative, as it incorporates various features and facilities that enhance the acoustic and visual quality of the performances.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the Esplanade, its facilities, events, attractions, and how to reach it. Whether you are planning to catch a show, join a tour, or simply enjoy the views, you will find all the information you need to make the most of your visit to this cultural destination.
Facilities
The Esplanade offers a range of facilities and amenities that cater to different types of performances, events, and activities. Here are some of the main facilities that you can explore and enjoy at the Esplanade:
Concert Hall: The concert hall is the Esplanade’s largest and most impressive venue, with a seating capacity of 1,600. It is designed to provide the best acoustic experience for both performers and audiences, with a state-of-the-art sound system, adjustable reverberation chambers, and movable acoustic curtains. The concert hall hosts a variety of musical genres, from classical to jazz, pop to rock, and features local and international artists and orchestras.
Theatre: The theatre is the Esplanade’s second largest venue, with a seating capacity of 2,000. It is equipped with a proscenium stage, a fly tower, and a hydraulic orchestra pit, which allow for flexible and creative staging of different types of theatre, such as drama, musical, opera, and ballet. The theatre showcases local and international productions, from Broadway hits to Asian classics, and features renowned actors and directors.
Library: The library is the Esplanade’s hub for learning and discovery, with a collection of over 15,000 books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs related to the performing arts. It also offers free access to online databases, e-books, and e-audio books, as well as free Wi-Fi and computer terminals. The library organises regular programmes and workshops, such as talks, screenings, and performances, to inspire and educate the public about the arts.
Roof Terrace: The roof terrace is the Esplanade’s hidden gem, offering a panoramic view of the Marina Bay and the city skyline. It is a serene and scenic space, where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the breeze. The roof terrace also hosts occasional events, such as yoga sessions, concerts, and parties, to add some fun and excitement to your visit.
Outdoor Theatre: The outdoor theatre is the Esplanade’s most casual and accessible venue, where you can catch free and live performances under the stars. It is located at the waterfront, facing the Marina Bay, and can accommodate up to 450 seated and 600 standing spectators. The outdoor theatre features a variety of genres, such as concerts, comedy, and circus, and showcases local and emerging talents.
Waterfront: The waterfront is the Esplanade’s most lively and vibrant area, where you can find a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. You can choose from a range of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, offering cuisines and products from around the world. You can also enjoy the spectacular light and water show, Spectra, which takes place every night at the Marina Bay Sands.
Rehearsal Studio: The rehearsal studio is the Esplanade’s most flexible and versatile venue, which can accommodate different types of performances, such as dance, music, theatre, and multimedia. It is located on the fourth floor of the Esplanade, and has a seating capacity of 245. The rehearsal studio is used for rehearsals, workshops, and experimental shows, and gives you a chance to see the behind-the-scenes of the arts.
Recital Studio: The recital studio is the Esplanade’s most intimate and cosy venue, which can host small-scale and solo performances, such as chamber music, recitals, and lectures. It is located on the second floor of the Esplanade, and has a seating capacity of 245. The recital studio is ideal for enjoying the nuances and subtleties of the performances, and for interacting with the performers.
Visual Arts Space: The visual arts space is the Esplanade’s platform for showcasing and promoting visual arts, such as paintings, sculptures, installations, and photography. It is located at various locations within the Esplanade, such as the concourse, the tunnels, and the Jendela. The visual arts space features local and international artists and exhibitions, and aims to complement and enhance the performing arts experience.
Events
The Esplanade hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, covering different genres, cultures, and themes. Here are some of the main events and festivals that you can look forward to at the Esplanade:
Mosaic Music Series: The Mosaic Music Series is a programme that features contemporary and eclectic music genres, such as jazz, pop, rock, and indie. It is held throughout the year, and showcases local and international artists and bands, such as Charlie Lim, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Sigur Rós. The Mosaic Music Series is a great way to discover new and exciting sounds and styles, and to enjoy the diversity and creativity of the music scene.
Huayi Festival: The Huayi Festival is a programme that celebrates Chinese culture and arts, such as music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. It is held annually during the Chinese New Year period, and showcases local and international artists and productions, such as Wang Lee Hom, Yang Liping, and The Legend of the White Snake. The Huayi Festival is a great way to experience the richness and vibrancy of the Chinese heritage, and to join in the festive spirit and joy.
Voices Series: The Voices Series is a programme that showcases vocal and choral music, such as opera, a cappella, and gospel. It is held throughout the year, and features local and international artists and groups, such as Joyce DiDonato, The King’s Singers, and Vocaluptuous. The Voices Series is a great way to appreciate the beauty and power of the human voice, and to enjoy the harmony and diversity of the vocal music scene.
da:ns focus: The da:ns focus is a programme that highlights dance and movement, such as ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. It is held annually in October, and features local and international artists and companies, such as Akram Khan, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, and T.H.E Dance Company. The da:ns focus is a great way to explore the expression and innovation of the dance art form, and to witness the passion and skill of the dancers.
Other events and festivals: The Esplanade also hosts other seasonal or special programmes, such as the Esplanade Anniversary, the Flipside Festival, the Baybeats Festival, and the Kalaa Utsavam Festival. These programmes cater to different audiences and interests, and offer a variety of performances, events, and activities, such as musicals, theatre, talks, and family shows. These programmes are a great way to celebrate and enjoy the arts and culture at the Esplanade, and to discover new and exciting talents and works.
Attractions
The Esplanade is not only a performing arts centre, but also a cultural destination, as it is surrounded by many attractions and landmarks that you can explore and enjoy. Here are some of the nearby attractions that you can visit during your trip to the Esplanade:
Merlion Park:
The Merlion Park is a popular tourist spot, where you can see the iconic Merlion statue, which is a mythical creature with a lion’s head and a fish’s body. The Merlion is a symbol of Singapore’s origin and identity, as it represents the city’s former name, Singapura, which means “lion city” in Malay, and its history as a fishing village. The Merlion Park also offers a stunning view of the Marina Bay and the Esplanade, especially at night, when they are lit up with colourful lights.
Marina Bay Sands:
The Marina Bay Sands is a luxury hotel and resort, which is famous for its distinctive architecture and features, such as the three towers, the sky park, and the infinity pool. The Marina Bay Sands also houses a casino, a shopping mall, a museum, and a convention centre, where you can find a range of entertainment, dining, and shopping options. The Marina Bay Sands also hosts spectacular shows and events, such as musicals, concerts, and exhibitions, at its theatres and halls.
Singapore Flyer:
The Singapore Flyer is a giant observation wheel, which is the largest of its kind in Asia, and the second largest in the world. The Singapore Flyer offers a breathtaking view of the city and its landmarks, such as the Esplanade, the Marina Bay Sands, and the Merlion Park, from a height of 165 metres. The Singapore Flyer also offers various packages and experiences, such as dining, cocktails, and yoga, on board its 28 air-conditioned capsules.
Gardens by the Bay:
The Gardens by the Bay is a nature park, which is one of the most iconic and popular attractions in Singapore. The Gardens by the Bay features various gardens, conservatories, and sculptures, that showcase the diversity and beauty of flora and fauna from around the world. The Gardens by the Bay also features the Supertree Grove, which is a collection of vertical gardens that light up at night, and the OCBC Skyway, which is a suspended walkway that connects the Supertrees and offers a stunning view of the gardens and the bay.
Other attractions and landmarks:
The Esplanade is also close to other cultural or historical sites, such as the National Gallery, the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, and the Raffles Hotel. These sites offer a glimpse into the history, heritage, and art of Singapore, and feature various collections, exhibitions, and programmes, that educate and inspire the visitors.
How to Reach
The Esplanade is easily accessible by various modes of transport, such as car, bus, train, taxi, or walk. Here are some of the ways that you can reach the Esplanade:
By car:
The Esplanade has an underground car park, which can be accessed from two entrances, one along Raffles Avenue and the other along Esplanade Drive. The car park charges $0.04 per minute from 6am to 6pm, and $0.05 per minute from 6pm to 6am, with a minimum charge of $2.40. The car park also offers a flat rate of $6.00 from 6pm to 3am on weekdays, and from 6am to 3am on weekends and public holidays.
By bus:
The Esplanade is served by several bus services, which stop at the bus stop along Raffles Avenue, in front of the Esplanade Mall entrance. The bus services are 36, 56, 70M, 75, 77, 97, 97e, 106, 111, 133, 162M, 171, 195, 531, 700A, 857, 960, and 961. The bus fares vary depending on the distance travelled, and can be paid by cash or card.
By train:
The Esplanade is within walking distance from two MRT stations, which are the Esplanade MRT station and the City Hall MRT station. The Esplanade MRT station is on the Circle Line, and is located directly below the Esplanade Mall. The City Hall MRT station is on the East-West Line and the North-South Line, and is located about 10 minutes away from the Esplanade by foot. The MRT fares vary depending on the distance travelled, and can be paid by cash or card.
By taxi:
The Esplanade has a taxi stand, which is located along Raffles Avenue, near the Esplanade Theatre entrance. The taxi fares vary depending on the time of day, the distance travelled, and the type of taxi, and can be paid by cash or card. The taxi stand also offers a booking service, which charges an additional fee of $3.30.
By walk:
The Esplanade is connected to the surrounding areas by pedestrian bridges and walkways, which offer a scenic and pleasant way to reach the venue. You can walk to the Esplanade from the Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, or the Gardens by the Bay, and enjoy the views of the bay and the city along the way.
The Esplanade Theatres on the Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves arts and culture, or simply wants to have a memorable and enjoyable time in Singapore. The Esplanade offers a variety of facilities, events, and attractions, that cater to different tastes, preferences, and interests, and that showcase the best of Singapore’s cultural diversity and artistic excellence. Whether you are planning to catch a show, join a tour, or simply enjoy the views, you will find all the information you need to make the most of your visit to this cultural destination.
If you are interested in visiting the Esplanade, you can book your tickets, tours, or packages online, or contact the Esplanade Box Office for more information. You can also follow the Esplanade on social media, or sign up for their newsletter, to stay updated on the latest news, events, and promotions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the Esplanade, and discover why it is one of the world’s leading performing arts centres and one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks.
