Get the inside scoop on stories behind the conception of one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres on a guided tour at Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.
Opening hours
| Monday | 08:30 am to 02:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 08:30 am to 02:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 08:30 am to 02:00 pm |
| Thursday | 08:30 am to 02:00 pm |
| Friday | 08:30 am to 02:00 pm |
| Saturday | 08:30 am to 09:00 pm |
| Sunday | 08:30 am to 09:00 pm |
What to expect?
What to expect?
Esplanade Theatres on the Bay or simply known as Esplanade Theatre is one of the busiest arts centres in the world. In the span of 15 years, it has hosted visual art exhibitions and shows with a staggering total of 26 million guests and counting. Affectionately known as the ‘durian’, it stands out in the central arts and cultural district with its distinctively spiky exterior - just like the King of Fruits! The view from the Esplanade is stunning, with its Outdoor Theatre overlooking the iconic Marina Bay waterfront.
Being a not-for-profit arts centre, Esplanade Theatre give their utmost priority by offering accessibility to arts which aims to entertain, engage, educate and inspire audience. A trip to the Esplanade promises a comprehensive lifestyle experience, from enjoying performances to having a good meal and some shopping after. Besides performances and other lifestyle activities, the Esplanade offers guided tours to allow visitors an opportunity to explore the building and its background.
The guided tour is divided into two activities: Esplanade Walk (available daily) and Esplanade Tour (available for group tours with advance booking). The Esplanade Walk is a 45-minute educational tour. Visitors can learn how the tuning of Concert Hall is carried out to sound differently and discover the science behind the venues’ ability to block external noise and vibration. If the iconic cladding (or ‘durian’ spikes) piques your interest, learn how it allows a transparent facade while blocking out the glare of sunlight and more!
For a more extensive tour, plan to go on the 2-hour Esplanade Tour instead. Dive into the world of building a world-class performing arts centre, from its architectural qualities to development of arts in the city. Take a comprehensive tour of both front-of-house and backstage facilities and their role in ensuring the success of shows. Visitors also get to access behind the scenes of the Concert Hall and Theatre, orchestra pit, dressing rooms, the artists’ lounge among others.
Being a not-for-profit arts centre, Esplanade Theatre give their utmost priority by offering accessibility to arts which aims to entertain, engage, educate and inspire audience. A trip to the Esplanade promises a comprehensive lifestyle experience, from enjoying performances to having a good meal and some shopping after. Besides performances and other lifestyle activities, the Esplanade offers guided tours to allow visitors an opportunity to explore the building and its background.
The guided tour is divided into two activities: Esplanade Walk (available daily) and Esplanade Tour (available for group tours with advance booking). The Esplanade Walk is a 45-minute educational tour. Visitors can learn how the tuning of Concert Hall is carried out to sound differently and discover the science behind the venues’ ability to block external noise and vibration. If the iconic cladding (or ‘durian’ spikes) piques your interest, learn how it allows a transparent facade while blocking out the glare of sunlight and more!
For a more extensive tour, plan to go on the 2-hour Esplanade Tour instead. Dive into the world of building a world-class performing arts centre, from its architectural qualities to development of arts in the city. Take a comprehensive tour of both front-of-house and backstage facilities and their role in ensuring the success of shows. Visitors also get to access behind the scenes of the Concert Hall and Theatre, orchestra pit, dressing rooms, the artists’ lounge among others.
What to bring?
What to bring?
- Bottled water
- Camera
What are the facilities provided?
What are the facilities provided?
- Tour guide
- Free WiFi
- ATMs
- Lost & found facility
- First aid
- Nursing room
- Washrooms
- Stroller parking
- Baggage carts for bulky items
- Self-service lockers
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Safety tips
Safety tips
- Do not leave your belongings behind as you travel around the theatre. Instead, store them in the lockers provided.
- Participants below 12 are not allowed to join Esplanade Tour due to safety reasons. Choose to join the Esplanade Walk instead.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- For walk-in visitors, only Esplanade Walk guided tour is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Be sure to reach early and head towards the Information Counter located at Mezzanine Level to inquire for details and availability.
- Esplanade Walk tour sessions are held at 9.00 am, 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm respectively on weekdays. On weekends and public holidays, tours are only available at 9.00 am.
- Group bookings of 20 pax and above for Esplanade Walk should be made 14 days in advance.
- All bookings can be done via email or over the phone.
- Do call ahead as tours do not take place if there are shows or rehearsals held at Esplanade Theatres.
- The extensive Esplanade Tour is only available for group bookings (minimum 12 pax) only. Bookings should be done 14 days in advance.
- Esplanade Tour is only available on a weekly basis on Monday, scheduled between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
- Light refreshments will be provided at the end of the Esplanade Tour.
- Do not hesitate to ask questions throughout your tour as the friendly guide will be more than happy to answer them!
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking around the vast area of Esplanade Theatres.
- Take note of free concerts to attend throughout your stay.
- In the evening, you can also catch live band performances around the area.
- Bring along your student ID or a valid ID for senior citizens to enjoy discounted prices for the tours.
What to expect?
What to expect?
Esplanade Theatres on the Bay or simply known as Esplanade Theatre is one of the busiest arts centres in the world. In the span of 15 years, it has hosted visual art exhibitions and shows with a staggering total of 26 million guests and counting. Affectionately known as the ‘durian’, it stands out in the central arts and cultural district with its distinctively spiky exterior - just like the King of Fruits! The view from the Esplanade is stunning, with its Outdoor Theatre overlooking the iconic Marina Bay waterfront.
Being a not-for-profit arts centre, Esplanade Theatre give their utmost priority by offering accessibility to arts which aims to entertain, engage, educate and inspire audience. A trip to the Esplanade promises a comprehensive lifestyle experience, from enjoying performances to having a good meal and some shopping after. Besides performances and other lifestyle activities, the Esplanade offers guided tours to allow visitors an opportunity to explore the building and its background.
The guided tour is divided into two activities: Esplanade Walk (available daily) and Esplanade Tour (available for group tours with advance booking). The Esplanade Walk is a 45-minute educational tour. Visitors can learn how the tuning of Concert Hall is carried out to sound differently and discover the science behind the venues’ ability to block external noise and vibration. If the iconic cladding (or ‘durian’ spikes) piques your interest, learn how it allows a transparent facade while blocking out the glare of sunlight and more!
For a more extensive tour, plan to go on the 2-hour Esplanade Tour instead. Dive into the world of building a world-class performing arts centre, from its architectural qualities to development of arts in the city. Take a comprehensive tour of both front-of-house and backstage facilities and their role in ensuring the success of shows. Visitors also get to access behind the scenes of the Concert Hall and Theatre, orchestra pit, dressing rooms, the artists’ lounge among others.
Being a not-for-profit arts centre, Esplanade Theatre give their utmost priority by offering accessibility to arts which aims to entertain, engage, educate and inspire audience. A trip to the Esplanade promises a comprehensive lifestyle experience, from enjoying performances to having a good meal and some shopping after. Besides performances and other lifestyle activities, the Esplanade offers guided tours to allow visitors an opportunity to explore the building and its background.
The guided tour is divided into two activities: Esplanade Walk (available daily) and Esplanade Tour (available for group tours with advance booking). The Esplanade Walk is a 45-minute educational tour. Visitors can learn how the tuning of Concert Hall is carried out to sound differently and discover the science behind the venues’ ability to block external noise and vibration. If the iconic cladding (or ‘durian’ spikes) piques your interest, learn how it allows a transparent facade while blocking out the glare of sunlight and more!
For a more extensive tour, plan to go on the 2-hour Esplanade Tour instead. Dive into the world of building a world-class performing arts centre, from its architectural qualities to development of arts in the city. Take a comprehensive tour of both front-of-house and backstage facilities and their role in ensuring the success of shows. Visitors also get to access behind the scenes of the Concert Hall and Theatre, orchestra pit, dressing rooms, the artists’ lounge among others.
What to bring?
What to bring?
- Bottled water
- Camera
What are the facilities provided?
What are the facilities provided?
- Tour guide
- Free WiFi
- ATMs
- Lost & found facility
- First aid
- Nursing room
- Washrooms
- Stroller parking
- Baggage carts for bulky items
- Self-service lockers
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Safety tips
Safety tips
- Do not leave your belongings behind as you travel around the theatre. Instead, store them in the lockers provided.
- Participants below 12 are not allowed to join Esplanade Tour due to safety reasons. Choose to join the Esplanade Walk instead.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- For walk-in visitors, only Esplanade Walk guided tour is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Be sure to reach early and head towards the Information Counter located at Mezzanine Level to inquire for details and availability.
- Esplanade Walk tour sessions are held at 9.00 am, 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm respectively on weekdays. On weekends and public holidays, tours are only available at 9.00 am.
- Group bookings of 20 pax and above for Esplanade Walk should be made 14 days in advance.
- All bookings can be done via email or over the phone.
- Do call ahead as tours do not take place if there are shows or rehearsals held at Esplanade Theatres.
- The extensive Esplanade Tour is only available for group bookings (minimum 12 pax) only. Bookings should be done 14 days in advance.
- Esplanade Tour is only available on a weekly basis on Monday, scheduled between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
- Light refreshments will be provided at the end of the Esplanade Tour.
- Do not hesitate to ask questions throughout your tour as the friendly guide will be more than happy to answer them!
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking around the vast area of Esplanade Theatres.
- Take note of free concerts to attend throughout your stay.
- In the evening, you can also catch live band performances around the area.
- Bring along your student ID or a valid ID for senior citizens to enjoy discounted prices for the tours.
Get the inside scoop on stories behind the conception of one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres on a guided tour at Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.
Opening hours
| Monday | 08:30 am to 02:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 08:30 am to 02:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 08:30 am to 02:00 pm |
| Thursday | 08:30 am to 02:00 pm |
| Friday | 08:30 am to 02:00 pm |
| Saturday | 08:30 am to 09:00 pm |
| Sunday | 08:30 am to 09:00 pm |
