The construction of the Shanghai Grand Opera House is entering the final phase of a huge project. The new home of the local opera house is being built in the Houtan district on the Huangpu River and is expected to become one of the most important cultural centres in the whole of China in the near future. The project was prepared by the Norwegian office Snøhetta, which is responsible for the architecture, interiors and landscaping. The East China Architectural Design & Research Institute (ECADI), Theatre Projects and Nagata Acoustics are also involved in the development. The development is another element of the city’s development programme to create open, multifunctional public spaces.
Shanghai Grand Opera House as a multifunctional arts centre
The Shanghai Grand Opera House has been designed as a cultural centre combining various forms of art and education. The building will include three concert halls with a capacity of between one thousand and two thousand seats, as well as exhibition, education and library spaces. The architects emphasise that the building is intended to be accessible not only to the public during performances, but also to local residents on a daily basis to foster a sense of community and public ownership of the site. The design includes an extensive entrance plaza and roof terrace, which will be open all year round, regardless of the opera house’s artistic programme.
Architecture inspired by movement
The white mass of the building was shaped to evoke associations with movement and the fluidity of the human body in dance. The distinctive roof is reminiscent of an unfurling Chinese fan, and the spiral staircase leading up to its surface symbolises the dialogue between art and public space. The landscape arrangement around the opera house has a radial form and interacts with the geometry of the building, providing open views of the Shanghai skyline and the bank of the Huangpu River. All these elements create a very striking architecture with a clear visual identity.
Construction of the Shanghai Grand Opera House
In October 2024, the main structure and building envelope were completed, which was one of the most important stages of the project. This was followed by the interior finishing work and the landscaping around the opera house. At the beginning of 2025, the installation of the 30-metre overhang, the most important element in the composition of the entire body of the opera house, was completed. Large panels of laminated glass, supplied by NorthGlass, were used for the façade, providing lightness of form and allowing natural light into the space.
A new symbol of modern Shanghai
Currently, the work is moving towards completion. Acoustic systems are being installed in the building and the interiors are receiving their final touches. The opera house is scheduled to open at the end of this year. The realisation, included in China’s five-year plan, is expected to strengthen Shanghai’s position as an international cultural centre.
“Shanghai Grand Opera House is a natural extension of our previous experience in designing performing arts venues. It is a culmination of the knowledge and skills we have gained from other projects such as the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, the Busan Opera House in South Korea, the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts in Canada and the modernisation of the Théâtre Nanterre-Amandiers in Paris. ‘The Shanghai Grand Opera House is an expression of our contextual approach and values, designed to become a place that belongs to the people of the city and all visitors,’ says Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, co-founder of studio Snøhetta.
Project: Snøhetta
Area: 146786 sq m.
Estimated opening date: 2026/2027
Collaboration: East China Architectural Design & Research Institute (ECADI), Theatre Projects, Nagata Acoustics
Photography: Yumeng Zhu, StudioSZ Photo | Justin Szeremeta
Also read: Architecture | China | Facade | City | Culture
