Esplanade - Theatres of the bay

The Esplanade is an attraction worth visiting when you're in Singapore.

The Esplanade was officially opened on the 12^th October 2002. It is one of the world’s busiest arts centres with many activities throughout the year. Over the years it has welcomed over millions of visitors and presented more than 1,800 performances. It aims to be a performing arts centre with programmes cater to diverse audiences.

The Esplanade's unique architectural consists of two distinctive glass shells cladded with aluminium sunshades, resulting in an appearance similar to that of a durian. Singaporeans casually refer to the the Esplanade as "The Durian" (if your cabbie doesn't know "The Esplanade", tell him "That Big Durian" and see if he does) It is located at Marina Bay, near the mouth of Singapore River.

The Esplanade is well equip with facilities and services. One fine example would be the Concert Hall with acoustics by the late Russell Johnson of ARTEC Consultants. There are only five other such halls in the world with such state-of-the-art acoustics. Able to comfortably seat 1,600 people, it is often used for orchestral and choral concerts, solo performances, corporate seminars, conferences, and award ceremonies.

Another example would be the Esplanade's 1942 seat Theatre, an adaptation of the traditional horseshoe shape found in European opera house. It is often used for dance and musical performances, operas and dramas.

The library@esplanade is Singapore first performing arts library which was officially opened on 12th September 2002. It contains information and services in the area of music, dance, theatre and film. It is located on the third level of the Esplanade.

Library opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 11am -9pm
Closed at 5pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year
Closed on public holiday

Book drop hours: 7am-2am

Besides arts performances, the Esplanade Mall also offers various retail, lifestyle and entertainment outlets.

Esplanade Shop (#02-02) is the place where tourists can buy souvenirs after visiting Esplanade. Souvenirs include soft toys, post-cards, T-shirts, CDs many more. Take a part of the Esplanade home with you.

Esplanade shop opening hours:

Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 10pm
Friday to Saturday: 10am to10.30pm

The Esplanade Roof Terrace, an open air garden, offers an unobstructed view of Marina Bay.

The Esplanade at the rooftop view.

And this is our enthusiastic group!

Getting to the Esplanade

1) Bus
Bus number available are 36, 56, 70M, 97, 111, 133, 162M, 195, 502, 531, 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N, 6N, 75, 77, 106, 700A, 857, 960, 961, NR1, NR2, NR5, NR6, NR7, NR8
Nearest bus stop is located at Raffles Avenue, outside the Esplanade Mall entrance

2) Train (MRT)
A 10 minute walk by following the signboard from City Hall MRT station.
More details can be found at the official website.