Things to do & Places to see in Singapore

Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Singapore

Singapore’s famous skyline has taken on various changes over the decades, but none has been as dramatic or controversial as the emergence of Singapore's Esplanade Complex, which officially opened in 2002. The idea for an integrated arts centre in Singapore was proposed way back in the 1970s, but the project’s radical architecture was only unveiled in 1994, with work beginning in 1996.

Today, the S$600 million dollar project now occupies six hectares of waterfront land alongside Marina Bay to the east of the Padang, and boasts a concert hall, theatre, recital and theatre studios, a wide gallery space and an auditorium. The Esplanade Mall that around it includes also the library@esplanade on the third floor, making Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, a gigantic cultural landmark.

With such unique architecture, discussion is still rife with regard to the two spiked ‘shells’ of the Esplanade building that you can see from afar. Said to have an appearance similar the eye of a fly or a giant durian (a popular local fruit), you’ll just have to make a visit down to The Esplanade and decide for yourself.

Check out exciting Esplanade performances in our Nights Out video segment >>