Introduction

Guangzhou Opera House is amongst China’s three biggest theaters able to hold 1800 people in the auditorium with the latest acoustic technology and 400 people in its multifunction hall used for concerts, art performances and operas. Its 70,000m² architectural design is futuristic and draws inspiration from erosion, topography and geology. This $202m construction project commenced in January 2005 and was finalized in May 2010. The buildings were dynamically modeled in 3D and in an omnidirectional format with no concept of front, sides or back.

Inside the Opera House everywhere you turn opens up to unexpected routes and the curves of the paths emulate a feeling of acceleration which propels you ahead. The main building is made up of a freestanding concrete auditorium set up on audacious granite and glass clad steel frame. The exposed frame form giant spider like webs extending out in outrageous directions. There are numerous levels bringing out sight lines, canyons for free air circulation into the main atrium space, establishing a sense of connection and orientation within the opera house.

Major attractions and activities to do on a visit

The Opera House is home to the very latest acoustic technology for superior sound clarity and its interior was contemporary drawing inspiration from the form of river valleys transformed by erosion. The buildings take the form of a pair of asymmetric structures with what appears to form a dome and a curtain wall put together.

Right from when you enter the lobby, a feeling of a vast openness summons you to a cathedral like room sided by airy balconies constructed to shatter sound distinctly and the spaces of the building connect meticulously from designs that were put together on site forming continuous and seamless surfaces. Overhead, an installation of 4,000 LED fixtures dots the ceiling.

In addition to the prominent Opera architecture and shows there are also art sculptures and displays by renowned Chinese artists which shouldn’t be missed on a visit to the Opera House.