In pictures: the National Grand Theatre in Beijing

A night view of the theatre, designed by the French architect Jean Andreu. Among the building's performance spaces is an opera house Photograph: China Daily/Reuters

The interior of the newly completed theatre Photograph: Sipa Press/Rex Features

People walking into the new complex Photograph: China Photos/Getty

A stairwell in the new building Photograph: China Photos/Getty

An interior view Photograph: Sipa Press/Rex Features

A view of the stage as lighting tests are carried out Photograph: Sipa Press/Rex Features

Workers clean the floor outside Photograph: Xing Guangli/AP

A man takes pictures Photograph: China Photos/Getty

People at the entrance to the theatre Photograph: China Photos/Getty

Seating in the opera house Photograph: China Photos/Getty

Labourers work on the water feature in front of the arts complex Photograph: Grace Liang/Reuters