Xiqu Centre
Landmark performing arts venue for Cantonese opera, wrapped in a glowing lantern-like facade of aluminum fins.
This guide to the Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong follows architect Bing Thom, born in the city but based for his career in Vancouver, and the personal stakes behind the lantern-like facade and silk-sleeve curves he designed for this home of Cantonese opera in West Kowloon. It traces the Grand Theatre he suspended twenty-seven metres up to escape the subway line beneath it, and the art form itself, costumes and coded face paint included, that UNESCO declared endangered in 2009. Stop in the atrium before heading up, and consider catching a shorter show in the Tea House Theatre, with English subtitles and dim sum.
Audio guides are written and narrated by AI.