The Sydney Opera House is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Sydney, a pride of Australia, and a symbol of art and innovation, loved by people all over the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this building is famous for its unique shell-shaped roof and is considered one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century.

Innovative Architectural Design

Danish architect Jørn Utzon (1918-2008) implemented a curved roof structure that was considered impossible with the construction technology of the time with his innovative design. The roof, composed of over 1,000 precast concrete panels, resembles a sail in its unique form, harmonizing with the beautiful scenery of Sydney Harbor and creating Sydney's iconic image.

Structure

● Unique Form : The Sydney Opera House is a uniquely shaped structure that resembles waves along a natural coastline. Its design has made it an iconic architectural landmark in Australia.

● Lighting and Color: At night, the Opera House is beautifully illuminated with various lighting and colors. Especially as a landmark on the coast, it creates a special atmosphere at night.

● Interior Facilities : The interior houses various performance venues, theaters, restaurants, and exhibition halls, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of artistic events.

The Center of Diverse Performances and Cultural Arts

The Sydney Opera House is a hub for cultural arts with performances of various genres, including opera, ballet, classical music, jazz, and theater. It includes a 1,547-seat opera theater, several performance venues, exhibition halls, and restaurants, and annually welcomes about 8 million visitors who enjoy a variety of cultural experiences.

Interesting History and Episodes

● The construction period of the Sydney Opera House was initially estimated to take 4 years, but it actually took 14 years, because the roof production was difficult and complicated.

● The construction of the Sydney Opera House cost more than 10 times the original estimate. The project was delayed due to conflicts between the Australian government and the architect at the time, and unexpected technical issues.

● The opening ceremony was held on October 20, 1973, with the attendance of Queen Elizabeth II, which is remembered as an important event in Australian history.

● The Sydney Opera House, along with the Sydney Harbor Bridge, has become a major symbol of Sydney. The two structures, though with different designs, harmonize with the beautiful scenery of Sydney Harbor, enhancing the charm of Sydney.

Additional Information

● Construction period: 1959 ~ 1973 (14 years)

● Construction cost: A$102 million (approx. 90 billion KRW) at the time

● Major Performance Venues

Opera Theater (1,547 seats)

Concert Hall (2,679 seats)

Drama Theater (544 seats)

Uani Theater (938 seats)

Major Events

1. Sydney Festival

An international arts festival held annually in January, with various performances, exhibitions, and events held around the Sydney Opera House. Enjoy the artistry and emotion of performances by world-renowned artists and unique conceptual exhibitions.

2. Vivid Sydney

An international lighting art festival held annually from late May to mid-June, mainly held at the Opera House, Harbor Bridge, and Circular Quay.

3. New Year's Eve Fireworks

A spectacular fireworks display held every year on New Year's Eve along with the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, popular with tourists around the world.