Sydney Opera House Facts...Or Fictions?It is one of Sydney Opera House facts that the Opera House has become the iconic symbol representing not only Sydney but also Australia. Can you believe that this once "ugly duckling would become one of the most recognised landmark in the world? It had not been a smooth "sailing" for the Sydney Opera House. From conception to completion, controversies had surrounded this magnificent building. So let me separate the Sydney Opera House facts from fictions.
Sydney Opera House is one of Australia's most famous landmarks. So it is important that before and during your visit to Sydney that you familiarize yourself with the key Sydney Opera House facts. The building's significance in global culture was made apparent when the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the Opera House a World Heritage Building in June 2007. The Sydney Opera House receives an estimated 4.5 million visitors annually, a third of whom come to watch the art performances that take place in the complex throughout the year. The Sydney Opera House has two opera theatres, a concert hall, a recital hall and a drama theatre.
History of the Sydney Opera House There are a number of interesting Sydney Opera House facts around the building's history. The house was designed by Danish architect Joern Utzon .This was after he emerged the winner in a worldwide competition for the architect that would come up with the best design for the planned structure. It is also interesting to note that the building's foundation was completed in 1959, a full three years before the building's design was completed. The Sydney Opera House was completed fourteen years later and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20th October 1973 to much pomp and glamour. The sails design that Joern developed was an ambitious one in engineering terms at the time. Not all went smoothly in those early design years.
The original design envisaged two halls but the government insisted on the building housing four instead. This would come at a price as the resultant halls ended up being much smaller and till today, the stage for each hall is not large enough to accommodate a grand opera set. The disagreement between the architect and the government would prove to be so strenuous that Joern had to leave the project before the structure was completed. A fifth theater would later be added to the Sydney Opera House complex in 1998. As far as the financial Sydney Opera House facts go, the entire construction cost $160 million with most of the funding coming from the government. However, part of the cost was covered by the public through a lottery. The tickets were sold at $10 and the grand price for the rotary was $1 million.
Despite these challenges in the design and construction of the Opera House, the end result was a ground breaking architectural masterpiece that would go on to become one of the most recognisable icons of the Australian continent and Sydney attractions.
A cruise ship as seen from the steps of the Sydney Opera House. What to visit while at the Sydney Opera House The main attraction to the opera house is the shows that take place all year round that attract visitors from all over the world. Performances include dance shows, art presentations, musical performances and plays. Apart from attending these shows, you can also take a tour around the Opera House. The guided tour takes an hour during which you will be acquainted with the Sydney Opera House facts. There is a longer two hour tour that includes a visit to the back stage. Now, what is a great Opera House without great cuisine? There are various restaurants that you can visit while in the Opera House. You can have a taste of Australia's best recipes at Guillaume and Bennelong restaurants. The Bistro Mozart provides less expensive meals in a cafe setting. There are also Opera bars within the complex both indoors and outdoors where you can sample any one of a variety of over 40 different Australian wines.
Sometimes, the best way to appreciate great architecture is to see the building in its entirety from afar. You can have a breath taking view of the Sydney Opera House from different spots in Sydney. The Southern Pylon Lookout of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most favored spots by visitors to Sydney from where you can have a clear bird's eye view of the outstanding building. Actually, the view from a far has an elegance around it when you watch the building in the backdrop of its reflection in the water of Sydney Harbour.
Access and Accommodations The most convenient way of getting to the Sydney Opera House is by taking the train or bus and alighting at Circular Quay. The Circular Quay is very near the Opera House and it will take you a few minutes to walk to the house. Due to its proximity to Sydney, you will be spoilt for choice on where to spend the night. There are several hotels that are just a walking distance from the Opera House. These include the Park Hyatt Hotel that is at the right side of the house near the edge of the harbour, the Quay Grand Suites, the Four Seasons Hotel, Marriot Hotel and the Shangri-la Hotel that are along the road leading to the Sydney Opera House. And if you want to compare prices and availability and pay less for your hotel room, click on the links below.
I hope you find and enjoy the accommodations you are looking for. Return from Sydney Opera House Facts to Sydney Walkabout Homepage
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