Our story
The Sydney Opera House is the symbol of modern Australia. A World Heritage-listed masterpiece of “human creative genius,” it exists because a few brave people dared to think differently.
From conception to completion, the building tested the limits of engineering, construction and design. When the Opera House opened its doors in 1973, changing the image of Australia, a new era of cultural discovery and community engagement began.
Five decades later, we stand as an important community meeting place, the nation’s busiest performing arts centre and an integral part of Sydney through our contribution to culture, heritage, sustainability and tourism.
Tubowgule
Ever since it was a place for ceremony, gathering and celebration in Aboriginal Australia, Tubowgule has always reflected the society tucked in around Sydney Cove.
Jørn Utzon AC
His mastery in fusing craft traditions and ancient architecture with modernist thinking infused his designs for the Sydney Opera House.
Construction begins
On 2 March 1959, a crowd gathered under umbrellas, in the rain, to watch the ceremony that marked the start of construction of the Sydney Opera House.
The spherical solution
Jørn Utzon’s realisation that the form of the Sydney Opera House could be derived from the surface of a sphere marked a milestone in 20th century architecture.
Utzon departs the House
As the sails took shape, Bennelong Point became a battle ground of politics, pragmatism and the quest for perfection.
Peter Hall and the completion of the Opera House
Peter Hall was one of Australia’s brightest young architects at the time he took up the daunting role of design architect to complete Stage Three of Sydney’s new Opera House.
50 years of extraordinary moments
From Ella Fitzgerald to Bon Iver, Dance Rites Festival to Nelson Mandela’s address from the steps, the Opera House and the extraordinary experiences on our stages reflect our contemporary culture.
Conserving and celebrating our heritage
We are transforming the building for future generations while respecting and preserving the very features that make it unique.
Decade of Renewal
As we open up the Opera House to more of the community, the Decade of Renewal has helped us live up to the promise of the building itself.
