Poly Grand Theatre

Opened in August 2014, the Poly Grand Theatre isn’t just a building. It’s a dramatic sculpture carved into existence. The renowned architect Tadao Ando took a simple box, a massive 330-by-330-by-113-foot cube, and transformed it. He bored huge cylindrical tunnels through the structure. These tunnels cut through vertically, horizontally, and even diagonally. Imagine the core of an apple, not delicate holes like Swiss cheese. This gives the Poly Grand Theatre its unique appearance. The tunnels intersect the aluminum-and-glass curtain walls. This creates elliptical shapes on all four sides of the building. Inside, these tubes lead to different areas. They also create a theatrical experience even before the show begins. Two of these “tubes” dominate the visitor experience at the Poly Grand Theatre. A six-story vertical tube forms the main lobby. A two-story horizontal one serves as the foyer. As you enter the lobby, two grand staircases sweep upwards. They resemble something from a 1920s Broadway musical. A bridge on the fourth level and windows on the fifth offer views of this dramatic space. While the square ceiling might seem at odds with the cylindrical form, the circular skylight brings in a flood of dramatic daylight. This is a signature element of Ando’s designs. The foyer tube then compresses the space. This leads to a sudden explosion of openness as you enter the 1,600-seat main theater. The cylindrical theme continues inside. Bands of laminated wood rib-wall wrap around the orchestra and balcony levels. This creates a warm contrast to the aluminum and exposed concrete. The twelve box seats are particularly striking in their curves. The acoustics of the Poly Grand Theatre are reportedly superb, thanks to the collaboration with acoustical engineer Zhang Kuisheng. Beyond the main theater, other spaces exist, although some might not be readily accessible. A serene water court and an indoor exhibition room occupy the fifth floor. A café, restaurant, and multipurpose hall are also part of the complex. Even outdoor terraces are nestled within some of the giant tubes. The Poly Grand Theatre stands as a bold statement in the Jiading district of Shanghai.