Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Esplanade Theatres on the Bay is Singapore's national performing-arts centre on Marina Bay and, since opening in 2002, the visual counterpart to the Merlion across the water. Designed by British firms DP Architects and Michael Wilford, it houses a 1,600-seat concert hall and a 2,000-seat theatre under two spiky glass domes that locals affectionately call the Durians. About 7,000 aluminium sun-shading shields respond to the sun's angle and dramatically reduce interior heat. Over 3,000 events are staged each year, from Singapore Symphony Orchestra to the Mosaic Music Festival, with many free open-stage concerts at the outdoor theatre. The Roof Terrace is freely accessible and offers one of the best bay panoramas in town.