Beijing: architectural wonder (part II)

Of course another wonder of architecture needs to be mentioned. It is the China National Grand Theater of Beijing that opened on January 1st, 2008. It looks amazing from the outside.

"Three vast theatres are encased within the "tear drop" outer shell , which is made of titanium and glass. Built at a cost of 2.7 billion yuan (about 270 mio Euro), the building is surrounded by water and looks as if it has no entrance. With state-of-the-art equipment, its 2,416-seat opera house, 2,017-seat concert hall, and 1,040-seat theatre are expected to draw the world's best orchestras, operas and musicals, as well as domestic productions." (Guardian)

The inside's charm has to develop. So far you do not know where the underground parking ends and the theater hallway begins. Probably where the airport like metal detectors and handbag screens await you and determined staff take your water bottle away. Even it might have the best acoustics and most modern techniques, it can't compete with the atmosphere of any classic opera house in Europe. At least as long they have pinkish plastic flower arrangements pending along the hallway.