Singapore’s iconic horticultural destination is preparing for its most ambitious growth spurt yet. Early in 2027, construction will begin on Wetlands by the Bay, a massive five-hectare expansion at Gardens by the Bay (Bay South) designed to merge ecological conservation with high-tech art. Slated for a progressive opening in 2028, the project will feature a world-first immersive installation by teamLab, a significant enlargement of the Kingfisher Wetlands, and improved connectivity across the Marina Reservoir, further solidifying Singapore’s reputation as a “City in Nature.”
A World-First High-Tech Voyage
The crown jewel of the expansion is a flagship museum from teamLab, the international art collective responsible for the wildly popular Future World at the ArtScience Museum. This new 12,000-square-meter site represents the collective’s first-ever indoor-outdoor multi-sensory voyage.
Breaking away from traditional gallery boundaries, visitors will board custom pedal kayaks to navigate a controlled waterway. This unique journey takes guests through digital art installations that interact with real-world semi-aquatic ecosystems, offering a literal and metaphorical “deep dive” into the biodiversity of the gardens.
Ecological Growth and Enhanced Connectivity
Beyond the digital spectacles, the expansion focuses heavily on environmental restoration. The existing Kingfisher Wetlands will triple in size, becoming a lush sanctuary for over 600 mangroves and 50,000 coastal plants.
New infrastructure will also make the gardens more accessible:
- Cantilevered Canopy Boardwalk: A new walkway suspended over the water will provide a direct pedestrian link between the Gardens by the Bay MRT station and the main entrance.
- The Waterfront Bridge: A 175-meter-long pedestrian bridge will connect Bay South to the upcoming Bay East Garden (opening in 2027). Designed to skim the water’s surface, the bridge will offer panoramic views of the Singapore skyline and the Founders’ Memorial.
- Glade Lawn: A dedicated green space designed to host community events, festival activations, and outdoor activities.
Revamped Dining with a View
Recognizing the need for more diverse culinary options, the development includes a multi-level dining hub. A fresh food court will occupy the ground floor, while the upper deck will house full-service restaurants. The architecture emphasizes an alfresco, casual atmosphere, providing diners with unobstructed views of the Marina Reservoir and the new wetland landscapes.
Looking Ahead
The Wetlands by the Bay project represents a milestone in Singapore’s urban planning, prioritizing green lungs that serve as both tourist attractions and vital carbon sinks. As construction kicks off in Q1 2027, the development is expected to transform the Marina Bay precinct into an even more cohesive leisure destination.
For those eager to follow the progress, updates are available via the official Gardens by the Bay website or their social media channels. In the meantime, visitors can still enjoy the existing domes and the current Future World exhibition to get a taste of the digital wonders to come.