The People’s House Sydney Opera House at 50
1 July - 12 November 2023
Museum of Sydney and Sydney Opera House | Experience
This year, the Sydney Opera House is celebrating 50 outstanding years in the cultural and social life of Sydney and the nation. The free exhibition, The People’s House: Sydney Opera House at 50, at the Museum of Sydney and the Sydney Opera House, commemorates five decades of extraordinary performances and unforgettable moments and celebrates this architectural marvel that has become Sydney’s great civic space and ‘the people’s house’.
Relive the magic of past performances and events and discover the remarkable stories that have shaped the Opera House, from its very first year to now. See extraordinary costumes, posters and programs, rare archival records, architectural drawings, and photographs, and enjoy interactive experiences.
The Opera House will showcase a collection onsite of archival posters and photographs from 1973 and the early 2000s in Bennelong Passage and the Box Office Lounge as part of the exhibition. Join us on the People's House Tour to see the whole collection.
Exhibition dates and times
The People’s House: Sydney Opera House at 50 is a free exhibition open daily at the Museum of Sydney, from 10am-5pm.
The exhibition continues in the Opera House's Bennelong Passage and Box Office Lounge, open daily.
Entry to the exhibition is free at the Museum of Sydney and at the Sydney Opera House.
An exhibition produced by Museums of History NSW in partnership with the Sydney Opera House and in collaboration with design and technology company Art Processors. This project is proudly supported by the NSW Government through the Blockbusters Funding initiative.
Eat & drink
Bennelong Point has been a place for feasting and celebrating for millennia. So it's only natural that here at the Opera House, the entertainment jumps from the stage and onto the plate.
Other information
Getting here
The Sydney Opera House Car Park, operated by Wilson Parking, is open and available to use. Wilson Parking offer discounted parking if you book ahead. Please see their website for details.
Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on travel and COVID-19 safety measures. You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a six min walk to the Opera House.
Covid-safe information
The health and wellbeing of everyone attending the Opera House is our top priority. We’re committed to making your experience safe, comfortable and enjoyable, with a number of measures in place including regular cleaning of high-touch areas, air conditioning systems that maximise ventilation, and hand sanitiser stations positioned in all paths of travel. We encourage you to wear a mask in indoor settings or when physical distancing can’t be maintained, and please stay home if you feel unwell. If you need to discuss your ticketing or booking options, contact our Box Office team on 02 9250 7777.
Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of everyone on site, and we are closely following NSW Health guidelines and advice. The Sydney Opera House is registered as a COVID Safe business with the NSW Government. For detailed information about our COVID-19 safety measures and what’s required of you when visiting, please see our plan your visit page.
Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.
As you move around the Opera House, practise physical distancing (1.5 metres whenever possible) and follow the guidance provided by our staff and signage.
Within venues, always take your allocated seat.
For detailed information about our COVID-19 safety measures and what’s required of you, please see our plan your visit page.
The Sydney Opera House no longer requires patrons to show that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.
Contact information is required when making a booking with us and upon arrival at the Opera House, as set out in our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance at Events and our Customer Privacy Statement.
As the ticket purchaser, you are responsible for recording the contact details of your guests. Contact information will only be used for the purposes of contact tracing, if required, and will be deleted at least 28 days after your event.
Frequently asked questions
The People’s House: Sydney Opera House at 50 is a free exhibition at the Museum of Sydney.
The exhibition continues in the Opera House's Bennelong Passage and Box Office Lounge.
The Museum of Sydney is located on the corner of Phillip and Bridge Streets in Sydney. It is a 12 minute walk from the Sydney Opera House.
The exhibition is on daily at the Museum of Sydney from 10am to 5pm.
The exhibition in the Opera House's Bennelong Passage and Box Office Lounge is also open daily.
Yes, the exhibition is free at both the Museum of Sydney and at the Opera House.
You may also like
Draw the House
Join like-minded creative souls to explore the Opera House through an artist’s eyes in our free monthly walking and drawing tours.
House of Splendour
Unlock an evening of unbounded luxury as you celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Yallamundi Rooms, featuring front-row views of Sydney's famous fireworks.
Tour and Dine
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.