- Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia;
- Website: sydneyoperahouse.com;
- Phone: +61 2 9250 7111
The Sydney Opera House in Australia is considered one of the most recognizable places on the continent and one of the most popular sights of the world. Tourists from different countries come here to see this magnificent and unusually beautiful structure, to visit grandiose performances and shows held in the walls of the opera, to stroll around the shops and taste delicious dishes in local restaurants.
History of the construction of the Sydney Opera House
The greatest construction of the Sydney Opera began in 1959 under the guidance of the architect Utzon. The design of the building of the Sydney Opera House was at first glance quite simple, in practice it turned out that the spherical shells of the opera house, and most importantly its interior decoration, require a lot of investment and time.
Since 1966, local architects are working on the construction of the facility, and the financial question is still very acute. The country's authorities allocate subsidies, ask for help from ordinary citizens, but money is still not enough. Together, the construction of the opera house in Sydney was completed only in 1973.
Sydney Opera House - interesting facts
1. The project of the building was executed in the style of expressionism and received the main prize at the contest held in 1953. And indeed, the building of the theater turned out to be not just unusual, it just shakes its grace and grandeur. Its external appearance gives birth to associations with beautiful white sailing vessels flying in the waves.
2. Initially, it was planned that the construction of the theater would be completed in four years and seven million dollars. In reality, construction work was extended for 14 years, and it was necessary to spend 102 million Australian dollars! To collect such an impressive amount was possible through the holding of the State Australian Lottery.
3. But it should be noted that a considerable amount was spent not in vain - the building was simply grandiose: the total building area was 1.75 hectares, and the opera house in Sydney was 67 meters high, which is approximately equal to the height of the 22 storey building.
4. For the construction of snow-white sails of the roof of the Opera House in Sydney, unique cranes were used, each costing about $ 100,000.
5. In total, the roof of the opera house in Sydney was assembled from more than 2,000 pre-fabricated sections with a total mass of more than 27 tons.
6. For the glazing of all windows and decoration works inside the Sydney Opera House, it took more than 6 thousand square meters of glass, which was made by a French company especially for this building.
7. To the slopes of the unusual roof of the building always looked fresh, the tiles for their facing were also made by special order. Despite the fact that it has an innovative dirt-repellent coating, it is necessary to clean the roof of dirt regularly.
8. In terms of the number of seats, the Sydney Opera House also does not know its peers. In total, five halls of different capacity were found in it - from 398 to 2679 people.
9. Every year more than 3,000 different concert events take place at the Opera House in Sydney, and the total number of spectators attending them is almost 2 million people a year. In total, since opening in 1973 and until 2005, more than 87,000 different performances have been performed on theater stages, and over 52 million people have enjoyed it.
10. The content of such a huge complex in complete order, of course, requires considerable expenses. For example, only one light bulb in the theater premises for a year changes about 15 thousand pieces, and the total energy consumption is comparable to the energy consumption of a small settlement with 25 thousand inhabitants.
11. Sydney Opera House - the only theater in the world, the program of which is a work dedicated to him. It's about an opera called The Eighth Miracle.
What does the opera guest offer in Sydney besides the performances?
If you think that the Sydney Opera offers only shows, performances and viewing of numerous halls, you are deeply mistaken. If you want, visitors can go on one of the excursions, which will acquaint you with the history of the famous theater, hold hidden spaces, will allow to consider an unusual interior. Also Sydney Opera House organizes courses of vocals, acting, decorating theatrical productions.
In addition, the gigantic building houses countless shops, cozy bars, cafes and restaurants.
Public catering in the Sydney Opera is the most diverse. There are budget cafes offering light snacks and cool drinks. Well, and, of course, elite restaurants, where you can try specialties from the chef.
Especially popular is Opera Bar, which is located near the water. Every evening its visitors enjoy live music, beautiful landscapes, delicious cocktails.
And yet, the building of the opera house in Sydney is equipped with halls, in which various celebrations are held: weddings, corporate evenings and so on.
Helpful information
Sydney Opera House is open daily. From Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 19:30 hours, on Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 hours.
It should be noted that it is worthwhile to take care of tickets for the presentation you liked well in advance. This is due to a large influx of tourists and local residents who want to visit the walls of the opera house.
Tickets can be bought at the opera house or on its official website. The second option is much more convenient, because you do not have to defend the queue, in a calm environment, you select the appropriate date and desired places. You can pay for the purchase of tickets with a credit card.
How to get there?
Where is the Sydney Opera House? The most famous landmark of Sydney is located at: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
Getting to the sights is quite simple. Perhaps the bus is the most convenient transport. Routes No. 9, 12, 25, 27, 36, 49 followed to the stop "Sydney Opera House". After boarding you will be on a walking tour, which will take 5 - 7 minutes. Fans of outdoor activities can prefer cycling, which will be fascinating and comfortable. Special free parking is available near the theater building. If desired, you can rent a car and move on the coordinates: 33 ° 51 '27 "S, 151 ° 12' 52" E, but this is not very convenient. At the Sydney Opera House there is no car parking for ordinary citizens (only for disabled people). Always at your service is a city taxi.
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