The Center, sometimes called the "Egg" or the "Birds Egg" is a brand new opera house just next to Tiananmen Square. Designed by the Frenchman Paul Andreu, the Center opened in 2007 after a bit of a rocky construction period of six years. (It wasn't helpful, for example, when in 2004 at another one of Andreu's constructions, Terminal 2E at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, part of the ceiling collapsed and four people got killed.)
China, however, decided to press on with the construction, and eventually an inaugural concert was held in December 2007.
The "Birds Egg" is made of lots of titanium and glass and is situated in the middle of an artificial lake.
Inside the Olive Hall. I loved the many natural textures and colors that were used throughout the Center. It felt very modern, but not cold.
"Sun Li as Marcello." In a Chinese Opera House you have a lot of Chinese opera stars playing Italian roles!
An underwater walkway. You are walking underneath the artificial lake.
Marble from just about every province in China has been used for the floors.
Part of the "olives" in the Olive Hall (on the right), and part of the exterior titanium-glass construction on the left.
Just up from the Olive Hall. On the left you see two of the three large theaters that are inside.
More marble floors and wooden panels.
We were not the only visitors...
Marble from just about every province in China has been used for the floors.
Part of the "olives" in the Olive Hall (on the right), and part of the exterior titanium-glass construction on the left.
Just up from the Olive Hall. On the left you see two of the three large theaters that are inside.
More marble floors and wooden panels.
We were not the only visitors...
The music hall.
Brazilian wood on the ceilings in awesome bold patterns.
It would not be complete without pictures of famous people on the wall.
One of the bar areas (or at least, that is what I think it is).
Lights are off, the show is on! (We'll, sort of)
In het nederlands: Vandaag wat foto's van een bezoekje aan het "concertgebouw" van Beijing. Een mooi gebouw vond ik, maar kijk zelf maar wat je er van vindt!
Posts
Hi, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I'll be careful in Brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing.
ReplyDelete