National Centre for the Performing Arts

The National Centre for the Performing Arts, affectionately known as "The Giant Egg" among locals, stands as one of Asia's most impressive architectural wonders. This world-class facility is dedicated to theater and the arts, offering seating for 5,000 spectators across three distinct halls. Spanning a vast footprint of nearly 12,000 square meters, it is beautifully encircled by a serene lake.

The grandeur of this glass and steel masterpiece can be attributed to the brilliant French architect Paul Andreu. Its construction was a labor of love, taking nearly six years to complete due to its size and intricacy. The project commenced in December 2001 and finally reached its fruition in July 2007, hosting its inaugural concert that December.

Fun Fact: The central section of the theatre's shell curtain wall is a marvel in itself, comprising over 1,200 pieces of ultra-white glass.

Location: Beijing, CHN

Opened: 2007

Cost: ~£250,000,000

Designer(s): Paul Andreu

Website: http://en.chncpa.org/

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