| Find City
| Sydney Australia
Location: Bennelong Point, east of Circular Quay
With its glorious sail-like dome structure, the Sydney Opera House is perhaps known as
Australia's best known icon. The distinctive building was
built in 1956 by Jørn Utzon
who won the international competition for best architectural design for Sydney's new
Centre For the Arts. The sail-like structure was said to be influenced from Utzon's
memory of the ship yard where his father worked. He was also said to be influenced by the
amphitheatres of the Greeks and the formation of clouds across the landscape.
The roof of the building did not go without difficulty. In his vision, Utzon did not wish
the engineers to support them with columns, claiming that it would disrupt and cluttered the
interior space. He solved the matter by forming the shells into sections of a single imaginary
sphere. If you ever get a chance to look at the roof of the Opera House, you will find
literally millions of white and beige tiles covering the dome. Each tile was then glazed to
catch the sun's rays at each hour of the day, making the Opera House a wonder to behold.
In 1965, to Sydney's great loss, a change in the government caused funding cuts to the
Opera House causing Utzon to return to Denmark. His dream of compliting the
interiors and designing the sophisticated acoustic system was never realized. Work on the
building then completed by a local firm in 1973 by Hall, Todd and Littlemore.
The Sydney Opera House is a triumph of modern architecture. It has more than 900 rooms
including the major theatres of the concert hall, the Opera Theatre, the Drama
Theatre and The Playhouse. There are four fine dining restaurants located in the
building as well as a reception hall. In 1991, the Sydney Opera House gained recognition
as one of the world's seven wonders.
Performances in the Opera House include ballet, chamber, orchestral, opera and recitals.
Bookings may be booked directly by contacting the Opera House or through Ticketek.
The Australian Opera has two seasons per year in early January through mid March and
in winter; from early June to October. The Ballet performs from March to May and in
December. The Chamber Music is held during most of the year and the Sydney Symphony
Orchestra frequently performs in the Concert Hall. Ask for programs available
from the Opera House.
(02) 9250-7111
Find CityTM takes no responsibility
for the owners' change in phone or fax number, postal address and website information.
TIP: Getting to the Opera House is best done by
taking the train to Circular
Quay station. Take the walk along the quay's harbour towards east up to the giant dome.
Walking tours are available in the afternoon. Checked at reception hall for more details.
The Opera House closes during the night to the public but there are regular performances
which you can attend. Wear semi formal clothes to the performances.
If you are thinking of catching the evening sunset, bring warm
jackets as it can be quite breezy.
Check List:
- Guided Tours: Between 9am to 4pm daily (except Good Friday
and Christmas Day.
- Tours depart every 30 minutes from the Guided Tour Office located on the
Lower Concourse and last up to 1 hour.
- All tours are conducted in English but there are brochures in a variety of
languages which are provided.
- Tours for disabilties can be arranged. Call ahead to make arrangements.
- Cost: Adults ($10), Australian Seniors ($8.50), Australian Pensioners, students (with
current ID) and children ($7)
