Interesting Facts About SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

Sydney Opera House is located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is one amongst the most recognizable images that characterize the modern world. Just as Pyramids represent Egypt, in the same way, Opera House represents Australia. Sydney Opera House is a magnificent piece of architecture that has universal acclaim. Here are some interesting facts about this beautiful Opera House :-

1. Construction of opera house started in 2nd March 1959 and it took 14 years to complete, Finally opening on 20th October 1973.

2. A design competition for the opera house was announced by the NSW, on September 13,1955 to ensure the best design in terms of practical use of space and design.

3. Architects from more than 33 countries participated in this competition out of whom a 38 year old architect from Denmark, Jorn Oberg Utzon was declared winner and awarded the construction project. He was also given a prize money of £5,000.


4. The original estimated cost of construction was US $7 million but the final cost came to US $102 million approximately.

5. Sydney Opera House was opened to the general public by Queen Elizabeth II, on October 20, 1973.

6. There were 233 designs for the Opera House before the present design was selected.

Interior Hall Of Opera House

7. The shell like shapes, made with white Swedish tiles, brought alive the artistic moods of the Opera House. The effect of dawn to dusk is excellently played out by the brilliance of the white tile surfaces.

8. The Opera House was built on 4.5 acres of land and is 183 meters long and 120 meters wide.

9. Sydney Opera House was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 28, 2007.

10. Sydney Opera House contains five main performance spaces, apart from other areas used for performances, a recording studio, five restaurants, and four souvenir shops.

11. The Concert Hall of the Opera House has 2,679 seats and is the home of the Sydney Symphony.

12. The Opera Theatre is basically a proscenium theatre, with 1,547 seats, which serves as the Sydney home of Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet.

13.The Drama Theatre is another proscenium theatre. It has 544 seats and is used by the Sydney Theatre Company and other dance and theatrical presenters

14.The Playhouse is an end-stage theatre, with a seating capacity of 398 people.

15. The Studio of Sydney Opera House is a flexible space, with a maximum capacity of 400 people.

16. Sydney Opera House conducts almost 3000 events each year and has an annual audience of 2 million for its performances.

17. The Opera House provides guided tours to as many as 200,000 people each year.

18. The biggest crowd to ever attend a performance at Sydney Opera House was in 1996 for the Farewell to the World concert of the band, Crowded House, which was televised around the world.

19. Jorn Oberg Utzon, the pioneer behind the Sydney Opera House passed away on November 29, 2008

20. The Sydney Opera House was amongst the 20 finalists in the New Seven Wonders of the World.