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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica
The Sydney Opera House is an opera house located on Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), New South Wales, Australia. 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.
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most-photographed buildings in the world, known for its unique use of a series of gleaming white sail-shaped shells as its roof structure. The iconic performing arts facility is Sydney's best-known landmark.
How much did the Sydney Opera House cost?
Although the projected construction cost for the Opera House was originally estimated at $7 million, the actual cost ultimately stretched to $102 million, not counting improvements and expansions that took place after 1973.
What is the Sydney Opera House used for?
The Opera House is a multipurpose performing arts facility whose largest venue, the 2,679-seat Concert Hall, is host to symphony concerts, choir performances, and popular music shows. Opera and dance performances, including ballet, take place in the Opera Theatre, which seats just over 1,500. There are also three theatres of different sizes and configurations for stage plays, film screenings, and smaller musical performances. The Forecourt, on the southeastern end of the complex, is used for outdoor performances. The building also houses restaurants and a professional recording studio.
What is the Sydney Opera House built on?
The Opera House is situated on Bennelong Point (originally called Cattle Point), a promontory on the south side of the harbour just east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The promontory was named for Bennelong, one of two Aborigines who served as liaisons between Australia's first British settlers and the local population; the small building where Bennelong lived once occupied the site.
When was the Sydney Opera House designed?
The Opera House's original design was submitted by Danish architect Jørn Utzon in an international competition sponsored by the New South Wales government in 1956 for a design that was to include a building with two halls. In January 1957 the judging committee announced that Utzon's design was the winning entry.
When was the Sydney Opera House built and how long did it take?
Construction began in 1959, but a variety of problems arose, many resulting from the innovative nature of the facility's design. The opening of the Opera House was originally planned for Australia Day (January 26) in 1963, but cost overruns and structural engineering difficulties in executing the design troubled the course of the work, which faced many delays. The project grew controversial, and public opinion turned against it for a time. Construction continued until September 1973, and the Opera House finally had its grand opening on October 20, 1973.
Did You Know?
The Opera House's heating and air-conditioning system is powered by cold seawater pulled directly from Sydney Harbour.
The Opera House is the home of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra; whenever the orchestra performs at the Concert Hall, the Opera House's largest venue, the temperature must be maintained at 72.5 °F (22.5 °C) in order to keep the musicians' instruments in tune.
