Not just experts and scholars, but many ordinary Chinese have also expressed their views on the grand building's impact to the country's most sacred area. Supporters think that the design of the theatre is unique and this kind of creative architecture should be embraced.

"The theater is a combination of Chinese and Western arts philosophies. It is also the combination of modern and ancient elements. I think it is pretty good," a Beijinger wrote in an online forum.

But opposing opinions dominate. "Such a pearl-shaped building may be very suitable for a coastal area, but for Tiananmen Square it seems to be nondescript," said Mei Ke, a Beijing-based documentary producer.

However the theater's designer, Paul Andreu, argued that modern architecture should not be measured by traditional concepts. Proclaiming that the National Grand Theater of China is his best work, the French architect said he believes it will be "a new district of spectacles and dreams open to one and all."

Besides the National Grand Theater, Andreu is also the designer of the Pudong Airport and the Grand Theater in Shanghai and the new gymnasium in Guangzhou, making him the most prolific foreign architect in China.

The safety of the National Grand Theater, which has a huge dome with a maximum span of 213 meters and a height of 46 meters, has also been questioned, especially after the collapse of a section of the roof of the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, one of Andreu's other well-known creations. Critics are also concerned about the reliability of the underwater access to the theater in the event of fire, earthquakes or terrorists attacks.

Environmental protectionists have latched onto the photic-pollution problem presented by the dazzling "pearl," while conservatives point to the fact that the superstructure is just too luxurious for China.

One look at the costs involved shows that this venture is a megaproject. The overall construction cost some 3 billion yuan (around $400 million) and its maintenance and management is estimated at 70 million yuan (around $9.3 million) a year. Some Chinese experts say that even if a small part of the grand theater is used, the entire lobby needs to be maintained using a great deal of lighting and airconditioners.

Affordability

But despite all the rhetoric, the project is complete and set to take its place as a first-class culture center and an entertainment venue deluxe.

Last November, the operation and management rights of the grand theater were given to the Beijing Municipal Government after a decade-long deliberations in the Central Government.

The theater has been classified by the Central Government as a public service institution that is to be operated as a business entity. This is necessary because of the massive maintenance costs, which is to be a burden on taxpayers no matter whether it is paid by the Central Government or the Beijing Municipal Government.

When talking about the operational ideas of the theater, Vice President Deng Yijiang said the principles of serving the people will be given priority.

On many occasions, it has been stressed that the grand theater should follow the route of low ticket pricing. An innovative solution, according to Wang Zhengming, another vice president of the grand theater, is to designate a standing area, which will enable low-income art lovers to afford the shows.

But despite all the promises from government, many people are still concerned that the "silver egg," with one seat costing 800,000 yuan (around $106,700) on average, will meet its original intention-serving the people. How to combine the high artistic level, exorbitant structure cost and low ticket prices will be a big test to its future management.