The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is the country's premier arts venue, housing a main theatre, a smaller performance hall, galleries, and a library. The building — designed by Leandro Locsin, one of the Philippines' greatest architects — is a striking piece of Brutalist architecture on the Manila Bay reclamation area, worth seeing even if you are not attending a performance.
The CCP hosts the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Ballet Philippines, and Philippine Opera Company, as well as regular exhibitions of Filipino visual art. Ticket prices for performances are modest by international standards. The building's lobby and public areas are freely accessible during opening hours, and the views of Manila Bay from the surrounding plaza are some of the best in Metro Manila, particularly at sunset.