Guangzhou Opera House

Zaha Hadid Architects · Guangzhou · 2010

Guangzhou Opera House
Iconic

Two pebbles smoothed by the flow of the Pearl River.

Building in Guangzhou, China.

Featured in Zaha Hadid Architects's definitive monograph, ZHA: Redefining Architecture & Design.

Visitor Guide

Visitor Tip

Visit the interior auditorium to see the 'asymmetric' seating—it's designed to mimic the geology of a canyon.

Best Photo Spot

The granite plaza at night; the building's triangular glass 'veins' glow from within like bioluminescent creatures.

Access & Hours

Lobby is often open for a fee (30 RMB); performance hall access requires a ticket. Tours are available at 10 AM and 2 PM.

Insider Note

This was Zaha Hadid's first project in mainland China and utilized custom triangulated steel nodes for the frame.

Time Needed

1-2 hours

Design & Structure

Double-CurvedShell StructureFreeform
Computational Process

Modeled after the 'erosive' effects of a river, using deconstructivist geometry to create a seamless landscape.

Materiality

Granite, glass, and a massive steel frame; the interior uses glass-fiber reinforced gypsum (GFRG) for the fluid curves.

Structural Innovation

The project uses a custom 'triangulated' steel structure to support the irregular, windowless shell.

See Together

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed Guangzhou Opera House?+

Guangzhou Opera House was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and completed in 2010. It is located in Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.

Where is Guangzhou Opera House located?+

Guangzhou Opera House is located in Guangzhou, People's Republic of China. Its coordinates are 23.1175°, 113.3172°.

When was Guangzhou Opera House built?+

Guangzhou Opera House was completed in 2010. It was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

Can I visit Guangzhou Opera House?+

Guangzhou Opera House is a real building in Guangzhou that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.