Wales Millennium Centre

Lonely Planet review

The centrepiece and symbol of Cardiff Bay's regeneration is the outstanding Wales Millennium Centre, an architectural masterpiece of stacked Welsh slate in shades of purple, green and grey topped with an overarching bronzed steel shell.

The roof above the main entrance is pierced by 2m-high, letter-shaped, stained-glass windows that spell out the words ' Creu Gwir fel Gwydr o Ffwrnais Awen ' (Creating truth like glass from inspiration's furnace), and 'In these stones horizons sing', composed by Gwyneth Lewis, Wales' National Poet 2005-06.

The centre is home to several major cultural organisations, including the Welsh National Opera, Academi (Welsh National Literature Promotion Agency), HiJinx Theatre, Ty Cerdd (Music Centre of Wales) and the dance company Diversions. You can wander through the public areas at will, or go on an official guided tour that will take you behind the giant letters, onto the main stage and into the dressing rooms.