More than 7,000 triangular aluminium sunshades cover the twin domes of the Esplanade, which is why Singapore calls it the Durian.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay opened on 12 October 2002, designed by DP Architects with Michael Wilford & Partners. Inside are a 1,600-seat Concert Hall and a 2,000-seat Theatre. It is also one of the few arts centres in the world with free programmes every day: concerts, dance and community shows on the Concourse, mostly in the evenings. The building is open from 8 am to 11.30 pm daily.
At weekends free performances play at the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre, with Marina Bay as the backdrop. Take the lift from Esplanade Mall to the free Roof Terrace on level 4 for the view across to Marina Bay Sands, then eat at Makansutra Gluttons Bay, whose hawker stalls open from 4 pm (3 pm on Sundays) until 11 pm or later.
