Sydney's most well know landmark, the Sydney Opera House is not only the most recognisable building in Australia, but it is also one of the world's great performing arts centres. A guided tour will take you on a journey through the extraordinary history, breathtaking architecture and unseen workings in the daily life of this remarkable and fascinating building. Here are some interesting facts to keep in mind before your visit :
  • Sydney Opera House (1957 - 1973) is a masterpiece of late modern architecture. It was created by a young architect from Denmark,  Jørn Utzon.
  • Sydney Opera House was inscribed in the World Heritage List of UNESCO in June 2007
  • The distinctive roof comprises sets of interlocking vaulted ‘shells’ set upon a vast terraced platform and surrounded by terrace areas that function as pedestrian concourses.
  • The design solution and construction of the shell structure took eight years to complete and the development of the special ceramic tiles for the shells took over three years.
  • Cost overruns contributed to populist criticism and a change of government resulted in 1966 to Utzon’s resignation, street demonstrations and professional controversy.
  • The opening ceremony was made by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973,
  • New works were undertaken between 1986 and 1988 under the supervision of Architect, Andrew Andersons, with contributions by Peter Hall.
  • In 1999, Jørn Utzon was re-engaged as Sydney Opera House architect to develop a set of design principles to act as a guide for all future changes to the building. These principles reflect his original vision and help to ensure that the building’s architectural integrity is maintained.
  • In 2003 Utzon received the Pritzker Prize, international architecture's highest honour.
Don't miss your chance to take a tour inside this World Heritage masterpiece, home to 1000 rooms, 300 corridors and hundreds of tales and secrets. Step inside the inspired theatres where more than 1600 performances come to life each year, and learn how Danish architect Jorn Utzon’s groundbreaking design and vision for a world class performing arts came into existence. The Sydney Opera House is only one of the attractions included in the Sydney Unlimited Attractions Pass Purchase yours today and get to see the most of Sydney!