The Wales Millennium Centre opened in 2004 and houses the Welsh National Opera, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and several other arts organisations under a single striking roof clad in local slate and oxidised steel. Architect Jonathan Adams's design is one of the best pieces of public architecture in 21st-century Britain: monumental without being pompous, and rooted in Welsh materials and identity.
The building hosts opera, ballet, musical theatre and concerts throughout the year. Even if you are not catching a performance, you can walk through the public foyer and look up at the facade inscription from the inside — the building is open to visitors during the day. The adjoining Roald Dahl Plass (the waterfront plaza) makes a fine place to sit and take in the whole composition.
For tickets and upcoming programmes, book in advance for major opera and ballet productions, as the house sells out quickly. The box office and bar are open daily from mid-morning.