Cidade das Artes
This spectacular facility by French star-architect Christian Portzamparc dazzles inherently, but just as brilliant is Cidade das Artes’s cultural programming. They both showcase performing arts in all disciplines, from egghead acoustic demonstrations to hundred-piece symphony recitals. The impressive Great Hall—rather the center’s crown jewel—holds 1250, in complement to a smaller, “chamber” theatre, art gallery and various multi-purpose spaces. Architecture freaks take it in gleefully, irrespective of what’s being staged.