Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House - the most important information

The Sydney Opera House is a performing arts center with multiple venues on the banks of the Sydney Harbour. Its architecture is pretty distinctive and that’s why the center is famous.

History of the Sydney Opera House

The history of the Sydney Opera House begins with Eugene Goossens, the Director of the New South Wales State Conservatorium of Music. He wanted Sydney to have a suitable venue for large theatrical productions. He started planning and lobbying for it in the late 1940s, and by 1954 he gained the support of New South Wales Premier Joseph Cahill. There was an international design competition for this building on 13 September 1955, and the winner was Danish architect Jørn Utzon. The construction of the building began in March 1959, and it was finished in 1973. The total cost of the Opera House was 102 million dollars. It was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia on 20 October 1973.

What to see at the Sydney Opera House?

The Sydney Opera House hosts everything from classical ballet performances, innovative theatre and symphony music to contemporary dance. It has more than 1,600 performances a year. The Opera House also offers daily guided tours in different languages:

The Sydney Opera House Tour - on this tour you can uncover untold stories, anecdotes and history. You will also see what the future will look like for the Opera House thanks to the immersive digital experience. You will be able to visit some of the venues and theaters.
Architectural Tour - on this tour you’ll learn all about the architecture of the Sydney Opera House, how visionaries, idealists, architects, engineers, pragmatists and artists built it.
Beyond the Stage Tour - on this tour you will see what happens before the curtain call and see the areas traditionally reserved for performers and workers. Like on the previous tour, you will hear fun facts, anecdotes and history, and visit some of the Opera House’s venues and theatres.
Junior Adventure Tour - this tour is designed for kids. It is filled with interactive activities and games. The children will learn mysterious secrets and flabbergasting facts about the Sydney Opera House.
Junior Day Pack - this pack includes Junior Adventure Tour, a performance of your choice, and a lunch at Opera Kitchen.

Tickets and opening hours of the Sydney Opera House

Tickets - every performance has a different price. The prices for tours are:
- Opera House Tour - $43 per person;
- Architectural Tour - $43 per person;
- Beyond the Stage Tour - $90 per person;
- Junior Adventure Tour - $21 per person;
- Junior Day Pack - from $62 per child, and $84 per adult.
Opening hours - the Opera House is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. The tours operate from 9 AM to 8:30 PM from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, it's open from 10 AM to 6 PM.

How to get to the Sydney Opera House?

The Sydney Opera House is located on Bennelong Point and it is a six-minute walk to Circular Quay. You can get there by:

Bus - 343, 304, 333, 393N, 396.
Train - T2, T3, T7, T8.
Light Rail - L2, L3.
Ferry - F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, MFF.

What should you know before visiting the Sydney Opera House?

Here are some things you should know before visiting the Sydney Opera House:

During the performances it is not possible to have a tour there.
Photos are allowed.
Large bags are not allowed on the tours. They can be coat checked, unless they are suitcases.

Sydney Opera House Trivia

Here are some interesting facts about the Sydney Opera House: