The Theater’s form is strong and precise—a massive, rectangular block of travertine marble tossed in the air and carried by graceful, curved supports with such apparent ease that the whole mass seems to float. This illusion is enhanced by the building’s reflection in the octagonal pool below. … The Theater derives formal inspiration from the ubiquitous bahay kubo, the native house of the Philippines. Though configurations vary, the bahay kubo is often a one-room cube built on stilts; it has a high-pitched roof and is made of light, indigenous materials. Excerpt from Caryn Paredes-Santillan’s article in: SOS Brutalism: A Global Survey. Catalog DAM + Wüstenrot Foundation, Zurich (Park Books) 2017

Proclaimed a National Artist for Architecture in 1990, Locsin’s work is protected under the National Cultural Heritage Act. 

Closed since 2023 due to extensive renovation work. The focus is on improving and modernising the large event rooms and technical equipment (e.g. lifts/building services/lighting, etc.) as well as structural improvements (including fire protection/drainage/electrical/environmental protection systems, adaptation to current regulations, efficiency measures) while retaining the architectural design. A gradual reopening is planned for around 2026 (last updated on March 3, 2026)