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Its unique use of a series of gleaming white sail-shaped shells as its roof structure makes it one of the most-photographed buildings in the world. It is one of the great iconic buildings of the 20th century, an image of great beauty that has become known throughout the world – a symbol for not only a city but a whole country and continent. Our goal is to provide barrier-free access to the building and experiences on offer at Sydney Opera House. Explore a range of access services, performances and dedicated programs for people with disabilities. This solution allowed ribs of varying size to be formed from sections cast in a common mould, then arranged to create the different size shells. This became known as the ‘spherical solution’ and eventually 2,194 pre-cast concrete sections each weighing 15 tons were formed on site to create the flowing roofline people recognise today.
Little-Known Facts About the Iconic Sydney Opera House
Take a tour and discover incredible stories inside this cultural landmark. Experience the Opera House in a different light with a sunset tour during Vivid Sydney. Step inside as the sun goes down and discover the legendary history and extraordinary secrets of the House.
It's time to feel new
You will have the opportunity to visit some of the Opera House’s many venues and theatres on this tour. The Sydney Opera House is at Bennelong Point, on the eastern side of Circular Quay, next to the Royal Botanic Garden, a green oasis between the harbour waters and the city centre. Our goal at the Sydney Opera House is to provide barrier-free access, making the site, building and the experiences they offer accessible to all people. Create a range of drawings inspired by one of the world’s most iconic buildings. Once a month join like-minded creative souls to explore the Opera House and its surroundings through the eyes of an artist.
Upcoming performances
Upon graduation a travel scholarship enabled him to spend twelve months in Europe during which time he visited Utzon in Hellebæk.[75] Returning to Sydney, Hall worked for the Government Architect, a branch of the NSW Public Works Department. While there he established himself as a talented design architect with a number of court and university buildings, including the Goldstein Hall at the University of New South Wales, which won the Sir John Sulman Medal in 1964. An admirer of the ideas of Gunnar Asplund, as well as Frank Lloyd Wright while still in school, Utzon acknowledges that Aalto, Asplund, and Wright were all significant influences in his work. Most of Utzon’s projects have been completed in his native Denmark, but he is best known for the Sydney Opera House, an iconic building of curving roof forms.
History

Lean in and listen to the songs and ideas which inspire and inform the brightest minds that step out onto our stages through podcasts and playlists produced by the Opera House. Find the best way to get to the Opera House if you’re walking, driving or travelling by bike, public transport, taxi or rideshare. Enjoy a selection of songs from the part rock opera, part reimagined pride parade which presented a 4 hour, 55 original song performance live from the Concert Hall stage.
His mastery in fusing craft traditions and ancient architecture with modernist thinking infused his designs for the Sydney Opera House. Designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon, its unique and innovative design represents a breakthrough in modern architecture. The iconic sail-like structures have made it a symbol of Sydney and modern Australia as a whole.

Peter Hall and the completion of the Opera House
By 1963 the foundation and podium had been completed and construction of the roof shells began. Utzon was highly reluctant to respond to questions or criticism from the client’s Sydney Opera House Executive Committee (SOHEC). However, he was greatly supported by a committee member and one of the original competition judges, Harry Ingham Ashworth.
Specialty tours
Prams and buggies cannot be used on the tour as they are not allowed in our venues.Videoing is not allowed. We acknowledge, celebrate and respect all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first story tellers who carry the cultural wisdom, traditions and dreaming of this ancient land. Stay connected to Sydney for all the latest news, stories, upcoming events and travel inspiration.
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Language tours
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware this website contains images, voices and names of people who have died. Eventually the mounting costs and delays became a public concern and a political issue. In the May 1965 state election, after 24 years in power, the Labor Party was defeated by the Liberal/Country Party coalition. The leader of the Country Party, Davis Hughes, became Minister for Public Works.
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Utzon was unwilling to compromise on some aspects of his designs that the clients wanted to change. Step inside and discover the extraordinary stories of this vibrant performance space, then relax by the harbour in true Sydney-sider style, as you enjoy Australian-inspired cuisine at Opera Bar. The Sydney Opera House has many stories to tell, from the Korean National Ballet tour to the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra performances. Step inside, take a tour and be moved by the beautiful design and history. From Don Quixote to the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the Sydney Opera House has a diverse and rich cultural history.
For the first stage, Utzon worked successfully with the rest of the design team and the client, but, as the project progressed, the Cahill government insisted on progressive revisions. They also did not fully appreciate the costs or work involved in design and construction. Tensions between the client and the design team grew further when an early start to construction was demanded despite an incomplete design. This resulted in a continuing series of delays and setbacks while various technical engineering issues were being refined.
The Sydney Opera House exists because a few brave people dared to think differently and is now a World Heritage-listed masterpiece. From conception to completion, the building tested the limits of engineering, construction and design. The second stage of construction was progressing toward completion when Utzon resigned. His position was principally taken over by Peter Hall, who became largely responsible for the interior design. Stage III, the interiors, started with Utzon moving his entire office to Sydney in February 1963. However, there was a change of government in 1965, and the new Robert Askin government declared the project under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Works.
Finish with a drink at Vivid LIVE pop-up bar, Bar Subterranean, as you watch the Sydney Harbour light up. Take in the iconic harbour views and indulge in a delicious dining experience. Whether you opt for a casual bite, a refreshing cocktail or an upscale dining affair, there’s something for everyone. Sydney Opera House, opera house located on Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), New South Wales, Australia.
Join us as we delve into this world-renowned masterpiece’s history, design, and significance. He said that Hughes's refusal to pay him any fees and the lack of collaboration caused his resignation and later described the situation as "Malice in Blunderland". In March 1966, Hughes offered him a subordinate role as "design architect" under a panel of executive architects, without any supervisory powers over the House's construction, but Utzon rejected this. Please note that as we are a busy performing arts centre, venues and theatres are subject to availability at the time of your tour.