With its distinctive shining twin shells, one cannot miss the new Singapore's national performing arts centre, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, sited by Marina Bay. This architectural marvel will open its doors to the world on 12 October 2002.

As an art centre for the people, Esplanade's vision is to entertain, engage, educate and inspire audiences from all walks of life. Its programme line-up spans all genres to encompass music, dance, theatre and visual arts with a special focus on arts education and community access.

With its aim to offer programmes and activities to all in Singapore, every day of the year, Esplanade is a place where people can converge to interact, pursue their artistic interest and embrace the arts as an intrinsic part of their lives. For this special issue two different first day cover designs are produced, one for the stamp and the other for the miniature sheet.

This stamp issue of 4 stamps (NVI, 60c, $1 and $2) showing the various angles of this unique architecture is to commemorate the opening of this unique architecture as well as a special moment in our performing arts' history. A miniature sheet comprising of the four stamps is also available.