The National Grand Theater, an egg-shaped structure of glass and titanium set in an artificial lake, contains an opera house, a concert hall, a theater, and other facilities. The modernist design, by French architect Paul Andreu, was the subject of controversy for several years before construction began in 2001.
In part, the rising cost of the center is attributable to the strong Euro, which makes musical instruments more expensive. The price of construction materials has also risen.