Sydney Opera House

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia


5th March to 6th April 2003



Sydney Opera House by Day Sydney Opera House by Dusk
Sydney Opera House by Dusk
Sydney Opera House by Night Sydney Opera House by Night

Sydney Opera House During the Day



Sydney Opera House is perhaps one of the world's most beautiful iconic structures in the world. Perched on Bennelong Point, the Opera House is accompanied with splendid views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the harbour itself .

Inspite of its beauty, it has quite a turbulent history!

The concept of the Opera House came about due to the inadequate orchestral and performance venues around the late 1940s in New South Wales.

Hence, the NSW Government had things going by having an international design competition. Jørn Utzon won the competition for his 'ship sail' design in 1957 for the Opera House after being inspired by an orange peel . Construction commenced in 1959 and was expected to be completed within 4 years at an estimated cost of A$7 million out of lottery revenues. However, it was only completed after 14 years at a hefty A$102 million after numerous construction delays and political difficulties.

The first public performance, Prokofiev’s War And Peace, was held on the 28th September 1973 in the Opera Theatre, performed by The Australian Opera.

The Opera House was finally offically opened by Queen Elizabeth II on the 20th October 1973.

Today, the Opera House hosts a variety of theatre, musicals, opera, contemporary dance, ballet, as well as exhibitions and films - all housed into one.



At Sydney Opera House
Close Up of the Roof of Sydney Opera House Tiled Roof of Sydney Opera House

Close Ups of Sydney Opera House, the 'Orange Peels'



Links on Sydney Opera House:

  • Official Site of Sydney Opera House.

  • Australia's Cultural Network: Sydney Opera House.
  • J.P.'s Homepage - Sydney Opera House
  • City of Sydney - Sydney Opera House
  • Technology in Australia: 1788 - 1988: Sydney Opera House



    • Links on Jørn Utzon, the architect of Sydney Opera House
  • Gabion: Millennium Masterwork: Jørn Utzon's Sydney Opera House
  • Return of the Master Builder


    • View Sydney Opera House and its surroundings:
  • Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority: ViewSydney.
  • ANA Harbour Grand Hotel Sydney: Live Camera




    • Things to do:
  • Sit at the lower concourse of the Opera House and enjoy the view during sunset. A definite must-do! It's awesome!
  • Visit the Sydney Opera House Store. You can't get their unique souvenirs elsewhere.
  • Take a closer look at the roof of the Opera House.
  • Take a guided tour.




    • Cruise Liner at Sydney Harbour Cruise Liner at Sydney Harbour

    'The World', a luxury resort liner, leaving the Sydney Cove Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay





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