The unusual building of the Esplanade Theatre on the shore of Singapore Bay amazes with its shape. These are two hemispheres entirely covered with triangular prisms. Locals nicknamed the theatre "durian" because it looks very much like this local fruit.
The design of Esplanade is the product of the vivid imagination of architects from the Singapore company DP Architects and the London-based Michael Wilford & Partners. In 2002, they built the Esplanade Theatre for the rather hefty sum of 600 million Singapore dollars. However, there is, of course, an explanation for such a budget.
The building's design is perfectly suited to the local climate, as the domes successfully prevent the sun's heat from penetrating inside. The theatre is equipped with two large modern halls seating 2000 and 1600 people. There is also an open-air theatre, a shopping center, a large library, restaurants and cafes here - in short, everything necessary for a full cultural outing.
The Esplanade Theatre is home to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. In addition, concerts, plays, performances, as well as various official ceremonies and conferences are regularly held here.
