Nelum Pokuna Performing Arts Theatre, Performance center in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Nelum Pokuna is a performance venue in Colombo featuring a main indoor hall and an open-air amphitheater for diverse productions. The building contains modern stage technology and flexible seating across multiple levels to accommodate different event types.
Construction started in 2006 with support from the Chinese government and the building opened in 2011. This development represented an important investment in performing arts infrastructure for the country.
The name refers to an ancient lotus pond, and traditional Sinhalese design elements appear throughout the building. Visitors notice how classical regional art forms influence the contemporary architecture at every turn.
The building is easy to navigate with clear pathways to all areas and stairs or elevators connecting the different levels. Arrive early to explore the space and find good seating positions in your chosen section.
The stage features a moving system that allows the orchestra pit to shift position, enabling different performance configurations. This flexibility lets the space adapt to classical theatre, dance, concerts, or hybrid art forms.
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