The iconic Sydney Opera House has joined other famous world structures such as India’s Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China when it was inscribed as a World Heritage Building.
Described by the UNESCO Committee as a “daring and visionary experiment that has had an enduring influence on the emergent architecture of the late 20th-century. The building is a great artistic monument and an icon.”
Designed by Danish architect Joern Utzon, who won a worldwide competition to design Australia’s national opera house, the spectacular building was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on October 20, 1973, it is now regarded as the undisputed symbol of Sydney Harbour, attracting over 4 million visitors each year, playing host to over 3,000 events each year. As one of the most recognisable sights, the Sydney Opera House is also one of the most photographed monuments in the world, a representative of Australia, as the pyramids are of Egypt.
Situated along Bennelong Point, which reaches out into the harbour, the skyline of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, blue waters of the harbour and the Sydney Opera House, can also be seen from the air, or from one of the city’s boat trips.
It was during the late 1950’s that the New South Wales Government established an appeal fund to finance the construction of the Sydney Opera House, and conducted a competition for its design. The winning design was Joern Utzon’s, although the irony was that his design was beyond the capabilities of engineering at that time. Utzon spent a couple of years reworking the design, and it was not until 1961 that he had solved the problem of how to build the distinguishing feature of the ‘sails’ of the roof.
The venture experienced a number of cost blow-outs and there were often occasions when the NSW Government was tempted to sop the contruction continuing. In 1966 the situation, regarding the cost and the interior design, and the Government withholding payments reached a crisis point and Jorn Utzon resigned from the project.
The building was eventually completed by others in 1973, costing over $1 billion. After more than 30 years, the Sydney Opera House has its first interior designed by Utzon. The Utzon Room, a transformed reception hall showcases Joern Utzon’s original vision for his masterpiece, which was officially opened on September 16 2004.
Tailor make your own Australian adventure, and catch sight of this spectacular icon. Call our experts now on 08452 703 862 or visit our range of inspirational Australian tours to find out more.
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Bales Worldwide (formerly known as Bales Tours) is a family run independent tour operator established by George Bales in 1947. Bales have become more and more flexible over time, in order to truly meet your needs. Wherever you decide to travel and whenever you want to travel, whether it is in 14 months time or just 3 weeks away, Bales have 60 years of knowledge and expertise to give you a holiday of a lifetime. 