Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Architecturally out of this world, Singapore’s S$600-million Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is the poster-boy for contemporary Singapore. Architects wanted to challenge ingrained conservatism, and they succeeded – the centre has been compared to flies’ eyes, melting honeycomb and two upturned durians, and called a whole lot of rude words we can’t repeat here. The controversial aluminium shades reference Asian reed-weaving geometries and maximise natural light. Eight years on, the building has been accepted as part of the local landscape. There’s a nonstop program of international and local performances, some great restaurants and free outdoor performances. Book tickets through SISTIC.