Shanghai Grand Opera: Snøhetta’s Spiralling Vision Takes Shape

Designed by architecture studio Snøhetta, the Shanghai Grand Opera House is now nearing completion on the banks of the Huangpu River. Following an international competition win, Snøhetta has crafted the project in collaboration with local partners ECADI, shaping it into a cultural landmark set to redefine the city’s performing arts scene.

Conceived as an inviting home for artists and audiences alike, the Opera’s sweeping, helical roof unfolds like a fan, a poetic nod to the dynamism of dance and the human body. This spiralling form is not just sculptural but functional too, transforming into a vast public staircase that connects the ground to panoramic views of the city skyline.

Inside, the same fluid geometry extends through the lobby and three performance halls, promising a vibrant program ranging from traditional Chinese opera to experimental shows aimed at younger crowds. More than just a venue, the Opera House is designed as a civic hub: open 24/7, its rooftop doubles as a stage and gathering place, while restaurants, galleries, libraries and cinemas anchor it as an everyday destination.

You can learn more about the project over on Snøhetta’s website.

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