Australia Tourist AttractionsSydney Opera House
This multi-venue performing arts centre is an Australian icon and an architectural masterpiece. It is a modern expressionist design made of "shells" that are actually precast concrete panels supported by precast concrete ribs and although they appear to be uniformly white, are actually covered in over one million glossy white and matte cream coloured panels in a subtle chevron pattern.
Created by Jorn Utzon and opening in 1973, it is a World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist sites in the world, attracting seven million people annually. Choose to take in a show, tour the facilities or just take advantage of the photo opportunities that this award-winning structure presents. The building actually houses multiple performance venues and is one of the world's busiest performing arts centres. It is situated in Sydney Harbour on Bennelong Point, very close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, another popular tourist attraction. Resident companies for the Sydney Opera House include: the Sydney Theatre Company, The Australia Ballet, Opera Australia and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
The venues housed within the Sydney Opera House are: the Concert Hall, the Drama Theatre, the Utzon Room, the Forecourt, The Studio, the Playhouse and the Opera Theatre. This beautifully made, amazingly intricate masterpiece is a must see for anyone visiting Sydney.
The Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s leading performing arts centers, which continues to grow and develop new artists and audiences. It is located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and is one of the most famous 20th century buildings. The Sydney Opera House is situated in Sydney Harbour, on Bennelong Point quite close to Sydney Harbour bridge. The structure draws visitors from around the world not just for the ballet, musical productions, theatre and orchestra – but also for its architecture - it resembles shells or sails, which is quite fitting considering it’s location on the waterfront. The Sydney Opera House at night is especially beautiful (you’ll find pictures below). Tickets, events, and schedule information can be found on the official website. You’ll find other valuable info about the opera house below including history, contact information, facts, and tour info.
Sydney Opera House History
The history of the Sydney Opera House is complicated – it underwent 3 stages of construction, the project went over budget, and project managers and architects were continually shifted around. The construction of Sydney’s Opera House began in March of 1959, and was completed in August of 1973. The architect that won the design rights for the Opera House was Danish architect Jorn Utzon, who developed a basic design in a competition in 1955. The total cost of the House was $102 million dollars, whereas the original estimated cost was $7 million dollars; the structure was supposed to be completed in 1963.
Sydney Opera House facts
The formal opening of the Sydney Opera House was in September 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II, which included fireworks and a performance of Beethoven’s work. In 1997 Alain Robert (nicknamed Spiderman) scaled the building’s exterior wall without any safety devices. In the Sydney 2000 Olympics the Sydney Australia Opera House was included in the route of the Olympic Torch; Samantha Riley, and Australian Olympic swimmer, waved the torch proudly while standing on top of the Opera House.
Sydney Opera House Tours
Sydney Opera House Tours
The Opera House offers tours of both the interior and exterior of the building. The guided tour will provide detailed information about the architecture and history, and lasts one hour. You will also be informed of performances currently featured at the Opera House. The tour leaves every half hour between the hours of 9am and 5pm, and costs $23 for adults, and $16 for students, children and seniors. A complimentary drink is included in this tour. For a more intimate tour there is the Backstage tour which costs $140 per person and you see the innermost workings of the Opera House. For further information on hours, private tours, group bookings, or special events you can visit the official Sydney Opera House website at www.sydneyoperahouse.com.
Sydney Opera House pictures
If you’re looking for images, there are some great pica and photos of the Sydney Opera House are viewable at the top of the page. For a Sydney Opera House map you can go somewhere like mapquest.com and find driving or walking direction to the House from any location. Goolge maps also work very well.
Sydney Opera House Restaurants and Bars
The dining and drinking experience in the opera house are unmatched. The Opera Bar is a funky new venue located on the lower concourse level; it was designed by famed architect Alec Tzannes. You’ll find a casual menu and about 30 of the best wines Australia has to offer. You can try out one of the Opera Bar’s light meals before a performance, or indulge in a post performance dinner. The Opera Bar is open 7 days a week from 10am until late at night. The Guillaume at Bennelong restaurant showcases some of Australia’s best foods and was designed by Guillaume Brahimi – the creator of Sydney’s renowned Quay and Pond. He’s also opened Bistro Mozart in the Opera House which offers delicious food at bistro prices. Bistro Mozart restaurant is especially popular with opera and concert subscribers and is open 2 hours before each theatre or concert hall performance. Espresso Mozart serves snacks and drinks all day.
Sydney Opera House Location, Hours, Map and Address
For General Information:
Phone: +61 2 9250 7111
Email: infodesk@sydneyoperahouse.com
For Bookings:
Phone: +61 2 9250 7777
Fax: +61 2 9251 3943
Fax International: +61 2 9251 3843
TTY: 02 9250 7347
Online: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Email: bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com
Mailing address:
Sydney Opera House
GPO Box R239, Royal Exchange
Sydney NSW 1225
Australia
Hours of Operation:
The Sydney Opera House Box Office is open
Monday - Saturday from 9am - 8.30pm.