Designed by famed architect Renzo Piano, the Auditorium-Parco della Musica features three halls with nearly perfect acoustics -- this may have something to do with the fact that their shapes are like giant turtle shells (Condé Nast Traveler nicely described them as "armadillo-like"). The auditoria -- there's also a large courtyard to be used for major performances -- host major classical, jazz, and pop concerts, not to mention dance troups and cultural festivals. Acts range from The Manhattan Transfer, Norah Jones, and Diana Ross to local-turned-national pop talent Alex Britti, to major chamber ensembles -- even a cultural Thai festival featuring music, crafts, massage, and culinary demonstrations.