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Sydney Opera House
This collection contains a small selection of archives relating to the Sydney Opera House.
The Sydney Opera House is a performing arts centre. It is one of the most famous and recognisable buildings in the world.
Since its construction, the Sydney Town Hall was the main venue for performing arts but was becoming too small for community needs. Various sites and designs were proposed for the building of an Opera House.
The site at Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbour was chosen. Bennelong Point is named after Woollarawarre Bennelong, a senior Eora man who lived when the British colonisers arrived in Australia in 1788.
An international design competition was held in 1956 for the building. The Danish architect, Jørn Utzon was announced the winner with his bold and unique design.
Construction commenced in 1959 and was expected to take 4 years. However, it took 14 years, with an Australian architectural team led by Peter Hall completing the structure. The building was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20 October 1973.
Sydney Opera House was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2007.
This collection also includes files about former sites considered for a State or National Opera House.
To find even more items relating to the Sydney Opera House try the search tool.
The building and management of the Sydney Opera House is a State government function so key archives will be part of the collection of Museums of History NSW.
CollectionSignificant Buildings