Chongqing Grand Theatre

文华街东路

The Grand Theatre was built as Chongqing’s answer to the Sydney Opera House, but was greeted with a lukewarm reception. Like other controversial architectural projects, the big green theater was slow to attract fans. Designed by international architecture firm Hassell, the building was completed in 2009. Soon afterward, the city closed the cable car that brought tourists to the building. A few years later, Chongqing’s new subway line six opened with a stop at the theater, and the building sprang back to life. Since 2012, the theater has hosted a number of international operas, ballets, symphonies, ballets, musicals, and other performances. Whether you think it’s ugly or amazing, it looks like the Grand Theater will become a central part of Chongqing’s identity.

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Chongqing's Grand Theatre

The Grand Theatre was built as Chongqing’s answer to the Sydney Opera House, but was greeted with a lukewarm reception. Like other controversial architectural projects, the big green theater was slow to attract fans. Designed by international architecture firm Hassell, the building was completed in 2009. Soon afterward, the city closed the cable car that brought tourists to the building. A few years later, Chongqing’s new subway line six opened with a stop at the theater, and the building sprang back to life. Since 2012, the theater has hosted a number of international operas, ballets, symphonies, ballets, musicals, and other performances. Whether you think it’s ugly or amazing, it looks like the Grand Theater will become a central part of Chongqing’s identity.

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