UNESCO World Heritage Site … built 68 years ago in 1959 … expressionist architectural style … 65 m (213 ft) height … covering area of 1.8 ha (4.4 acres) … concrete frame, precast concrete ribbed roof … seating capacity of nearly 6000 in 6 different theatres … simply awe-inspiring structure.
Where is it
Located on Sydney Harbour foreshore … occupying whole of Bennelong Point on harbour; adjacent to Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney central business district, near Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sydney Opera House is widely regarded as one of world’s most famous, distinctive building … modern 20th century architectural masterpiece.
Hosting over 100 performances annually … home to Opera Australia, Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Symphony Orchestra … is one of most popular attraction in Australia; visited by over 8 million people annually; with over 350,000 visitors taking guided tour of building.
Description
Building features modern expressionist design … series of large precast concrete ‘shells; supported by over 580 concrete piers sunk about 25 m (82 ft) below sea level. Exterior feature subtle chevron pattern of over 1,056,000 tiles in glossy white and matte cream, together with pink granite aggregate panels.
Interior surface treatments include off-form concrete, Australian white birch plywood from Wauchope (northern NSW) and brush box glulam (glued laminated timber).
Performance venues and facilities
Concert Hall is largest venue in Opera House – with over 2,670 seats; world largest mechanical track action organ – The Grand Organ, featuring over 10,000 pipes.
Joan Sutherland Theatre – proscenium theatre (metaphorical vertical plane of space in a theatre); over 1,500 seats for opera, ballet events … Drama Theatre with over 500 seats … Playhouse – non-proscenium end-stage theatre with about 400 seating.
Studio – flexible space with maximum of 400 capacity depending on configuration … Utzon Room, named after architect Jorn Utzon – multi-purpose venue for parties, corporate functions, small productions, chamber music performances.
There is a Studio and Outdoor Forecourt – flexible open-air venue, wide range of configuration options for community events and major outdoor performances.
North and western foyers are also used for performances, conferences, ceremonies and social functions.
Naturally, it also houses recording studio, retail shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Guided tours – front of house spaces, backstage tours are also available.
Renovations
Major renovations was done between 2004 to 2020; especially to interior – resulting in creation and rename of Opera Theatre, as Joan Sutherland Theatre for opera and ballet functions; Drama Theatre, The Playhouse and The Studio. Interior layouts, stage machinery, technical, acoustic upgrades were also added.
Today, Sydney Opera House has been reimagined … you can take journey to uncover untold stories, anecdotes, history and magic of this beautiful building.
Watch unforgettable moments from past performances; history of immersive digital experience; purpose-built venue, heritage-inspired interiors, state-of-the-art technology, 270-degree visuals, surround sound …
Sydney Opera House Tours
There are several tours offered – actual opera house tour; backstage tour; architectural tour … lots to see and experience. You will not be disappointed !
You can also be creative at Centre for Creativity – for adults and kids … Kids and Families holiday, weekend programs, workshops … Young People programs, workshops … school performances, workshops, tours, digital learning, in-school residences, work experience. Digital streaming … performance films … documentaries, talks … Antidote 2022 on Demand – platform confronting challenges of this changing world.
Conclusion
Sydney Opera House is just not a building, an Australian icon.
It is a symbol of architectural, engineering excellence … centre of artistic creativity for all Australians … venue to showcase our artistes … meeting place to enjoy a show, opera, concert; nurturing of emerging talents … and celebration of knowledge, cultural, social experience. Meeting place for whole community.
You can feel the vibes and energy just by being there !
P.S. You cannot get away from magnificent view of sunset over Harbour Bridge … simply unforgettable !
