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5 epic ways to experience the Sydney Opera House

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Here are five unforgettable ways to tick this icon off your bucket list.

By  Leah Dobihal

A performer in Amadeus raising his arms while standing on the stage of the Sydney Opera House with actors blurred in the background, Sydney, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

When it comes to iconic performance venues, the Sydney Opera House is high on the list. Take a seat in the Concert Hall, one of the world’s most sought-after performance spaces, and marvel at the intricate ceiling and grand stage. The Opera House hosts all types of performing art. Comedy, opera, dance, musical theatre and more – the choice is yours.

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The sails of the Sydney Opera House alight with a light projection depicting blue, orange and yellow Indigenous designs, Sydney, New South Wales © Daniel Boud

The Sydney Opera House sits on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. Meaning ‘water light’ in the language of the Gadigal people, Badu Gili is a nightly event that sees a spectacular projection light up the white walls (also called 'sails') of the iconic venue. Grab the best view from the top of the Monumental Steps and watch Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories brought to life.

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We’re not sure which is better at Bennelong – the exceptional menu or the jaw-dropping view. The restaurant is housed within the sails of the Sydney Opera House and champions distinctly Australian flavours (think mud crab and finger lime). Dining alongside the sparkling harbour only adds to the refined ambience.

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Sydney restaurants with a view

If you like your meals served with a healthy helping of postcard-perfect views, these restaurants fit the bill.

Read time • 5min

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What you see on stage is only half the story. The Sydney Opera House offers a range of tours that bring you behind the scenes of the venue’s history, architecture and show production. True theatre enthusiasts can even land a walk-on role to experience opera from the performer’s perspective. Don a custom-fitted costume and step into the spotlight for one unforgettable night.

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Aerial view of the Sydney Opera House with a boat leaving a trail of ripples in the surrounding water, Sydney, New South Wales © Hamilton Lund

Boasting some of the world’s most beautiful architecture, the Sydney Opera House doesn’t have a bad angle. Seek out unique vantage points on an adventure tour with epic views. Take a seaplane over the harbour to spot not only the Opera House but the Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline as well. A kayak tour will have you paddling up close for a spectacular view. Whichever tour you choose, it’s bound to create a bucket list memory.

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  • Description

Inaugurated in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is a great architectural work of the 20th century that brings together multiple strands of creativity and innovation in both architectural form and structural design. A great urban sculpture set in a remarkable waterscape, at the tip of a peninsula projecting into Sydney Harbour, the building has had an enduring influence on architecture. The Sydney Opera House comprises three groups of interlocking vaulted ‘shells’ which roof two main performance halls and a restaurant. These shell-structures are set upon a vast platform and are surrounded by terrace areas that function as pedestrian concourses. In 1957, when the project of the Sydney Opera House was awarded by an international jury to Danish architect Jørn Utzon, it marked a radically new approach to construction.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Opéra de Sydney

Inauguré en 1973, l’Opéra de Sydney fait partie des œuvres architecturales majeures du XXe siècle. Il associe divers courants innovants tant du point de vue de la forme architecturale que de la conception structurelle. Sculpture urbaine magnifique soigneusement intégrée dans un remarquable paysage côtier, à la pointe d’une péninsule qui s’avance dans le port de Sydney, cet édifice exerce depuis sa construction une grande influence sur le monde de l’architecture. L’Opéra de Sydney se compose de trois groupes de « coquilles » voûtées et entrelacées qui abritent les deux principaux lieux de représentation et un restaurant. Les « coquilles » disposées sur une vaste plate-forme sont entourées de terrasses qui font office de promenades piétonnes. En 1957, la décision prise par un jury international de confier la réalisation de l’Opéra de Sydney à l’architecte danois Jørn Utzon, a symbolisé la volonté d’adopter une démarche radicalement nouvelle en matière de construction.

دار الأوبرا، سيدني

جرى افتتاح دار الأوبرا في سيدني عام 1973، وأدرج هذا الصرح بوصفه عملاً هندسياً رائعاً للقرن العشرين. فهو يشمل جوانب إبداعية ومبتكرة عدة على صعيد الهندسة المعمارية والتصميم. بنية حديثة كبرى في مشهد بحري، على طرف شبه جزيرة مطلة على مرفأ سيدني، تركت أثراً كبيراً ولفترة طويلة على الهندسة المعمارية. يشمل مبنى دار الأوبرا ثلاث مجموعات من "الأصداف" المتشابكة التي تؤوي قاعتي أداء رئيسيتين ومطعماً. وتحيط بالبنية ممرات للمشاة. أوكلت لجنة تحكيم دولية، عام 1957، مهمة إنجاز مشروع دار الأوبرا في سيدني إلى المهندس المعماري الدنماركي جورن أوتزون، ولم يكن معروفاً آنذاك، فأنشأ نهج بناء مستحدثا تماماً وقائما على مبدأ المشاركة. وتعترف لجنة التراث العالمي من خلال إدراج هذا المبنى بدار الأوبرا في سيدني كصرح فني أخاذ ومفتوح أمام المجتمع ككل.

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

落成于1973年的悉尼歌剧院是20世纪的伟大建筑工程之一,无论是在建筑形式上还是在结构设计上,都是各种艺术创新的结晶。在迷人海景映衬下,一组壮丽的城市雕塑巍然屹立,顶端呈半岛状,翘首直指悉尼港。这座建筑给建筑业带来了深远的影响。歌剧院由三组贝壳状相互交错的穹顶组成,内设两个主演出厅和一个餐厅。这些贝壳状建筑屹立在一个巨大的基座之上,四周是露台区,作为行人汇集之所。1957年,国际评审团决定由当时尚不出名的丹麦建筑师丁·乌特松(Jørn Utzon) 设计悉尼歌剧院项目,标志着建筑业进入了全新的合作时期。悉尼歌剧院作为向全社会开放的伟大艺术杰作列入了《世界遗产名录》。

Ópera de Sidney

Inaugurada en 1973, la ópera de Sidney es una de las obras arquitectónicas más importantes del siglo XX. Su edificio es todo un compendio de múltiples corrientes creativas e innovadoras, tanto en lo que respecta a sus formas arquitectónicas como en lo referente a su diseño estructural. Asentada en un paisaje marítimo excepcional, al extremo de una península prominente que se adentra en el puerto de Sidney, esta grandiosa escultura urbana ha ejercido una influencia perdurable en la historia de la arquitectura. El edificio está compuesto por tres grupos de “valvas” abovedadas y entrelazadas que albergan las dos salas principales de espectáculos y conciertos, así como un restaurante. Esta estructura en forma de valvas se asienta en una vasta plataforma, rodeada de amplias terrazas, que cumplen la función de paseos peatonales. Fue en 1957 cuando un jurado internacional adjudicó al arquitecto danés Jørn Utzon la ejecución del proyecto, que se caracterizó por un planteamiento radicalmente nuevo de la construcción.

シドニー・オペラハウス

source: NFUAJ

Het Sydney Opera House werd in 1973 geopend en geldt als een groots 20e-eeuws architectonische en constructief werk. Het gebouw – op de punt van een schiereiland in de haven van Sydney – bestaat uit drie groepen van in elkaar grijpende 'schelpen' die het dak vormen van de twee grote zalen en het restaurant. De schelpstructuren bevinden zich op een groot platform, omgeven door terrassen die functioneren als wandelpaden. Het Opera House heeft een blijvende invloed op de architectuur gehad; toen het project in 1957 werd toegekend aan de Deense architect Jørn Utzon, betekende dat een radicaal nieuwe benadering van bouwen.

Source: unesco.nl

sydney opera house tourism

Outstanding Universal Value

The Sydney Opera House constitutes a masterpiece of 20th century architecture. Its significance is based on its unparalleled design and construction; its exceptional engineering achievements and technological innovation and its position as a world-famous icon of architecture. It is a daring and visionary experiment that has had an enduring influence on the emergent architecture of the late 20th century. Utzon's original design concept and his unique approach to building gave impetus to a collective creativity of architects, engineers and builders. Ove Arup's engineering achievements helped make Utzon's vision a reality. The design represents an extraordinary interpretation and response to the setting in Sydney Harbour. The Sydney Opera House is also of outstanding universal value for its achievements in structural engineering and building technology. The building is a great artistic monument and an icon, accessible to society at large. 

Criterion (i): The Sydney Opera House is a great architectural work of the 20th century. It represents multiple strands of creativity, both in architectural form and structural design, a great urban sculpture carefully set in a remarkable waterscape and a world famous iconic building.

All elements necessary to express the values of the Sydney Opera House are included within the boundaries of the nominated area and buffer zone. This ensures the complete representation of its significance as an architectural object of great beauty in its waterscape setting. The Sydney Opera House continues to perform its function as a world-class performing arts centre. The Conservation Plan specifies the need to balance the roles of the building as an architectural monument and as a state of the art performing centre, thus retaining its authenticity of use and function. Attention given to retaining the building's authenticity culminated with the Conservation Plan and the Utzon Design Principles.

The Sydney Opera House was included in the National Heritage List in 2005 under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and on the State Heritage Register of New South Wales in 2003 under the Heritage Act 1977. Listing in the National Heritage List implies that any proposed action to be taken inside or outside the boundaries of a National Heritage place or a World Heritage property that may have a significant impact on the heritage values is prohibited without the approval of the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. A buffer zone has been established.

The present state of conservation is very good. The property is maintained and preserved through regular and rigorous repair and conservation programmes. The management system of the Sydney Opera House takes into account a wide range of measures provided under planning and heritage legislation and policies of both the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government. The Management Plan for the Sydney Opera House, the Conservation Plan and the Utzon Design Principles together provide the policy framework for the conservation and management of the Sydney Opera House.

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The sole responsibility for the content of each Nomination file lies with the State Party concerned. The publication of the Nomination file does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever of the World Heritage Committee or of the Secretariat of UNESCO concerning the history or legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its boundaries.

Sydney Opera House: The Complete Guide

sydney opera house tourism

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Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is arguably Australia's most recognizable landmark, alongside its neighbor, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The building's dramatic white sails and controversial history make it an essential stop on any visitor's itinerary, in addition to the wide variety of events and performances that take place inside. Read on for a complete guide to visiting the Sydney Opera House.

History and Architecture

The Sydney Opera House stands on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The idea for a world-class performing arts venue in Sydney gained momentum the 1950s, when Australia was undergoing an economic boom largely driven by high levels of post-war migration from Europe.

In 1956, NSW Premier Joseph Cahill opened a competition seeking designs for a National Opera House. The following year, an unconventional, expressionist plan by Danish architect Jørn Utzon was announced as the winner.

Construction began in 1959, despite concerns about the huge cost of the project and some unresolved architectural details. It quickly became obvious that the Sydney Opera House would almost certainly take longer to build and require much more money than had previously been planned. (It eventually came in 14 times over budget and 10 years late.)

As the building began to take shape though, Sydneysiders were won over by its ambitious scale. Its distinctive spherical shells, for example, are covered with over a million specially-made tiles.

After almost two decades of discussion, planning, and political disputes (including the resignation of Utzon, the original architect, over budget concerns in 1966), the Sydney Opera House was finally opened in 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II.

The first production was a rendition of Prokofiev’s epic "War and Peace" by the Australian Opera. Since then, the Opera House has hosted iconic figures including Sammy Davis, Jr. and Ella Fitzgerald in the late 1970s, Pope John Paul II 1987, and Nelson Mandela in 1990.

In 2000, the Opera House was front and center of the Olympic Arts Festival. Then in 2009, Sydney's largest culture festival, Vivid, first projected its now-famous light show onto the Opera House's sails. In 2019, more than 8 million people visited this impressive venue, taking tours, attending performances, and admiring the building itself.

Depending on your interests and the length of your visit, there are three main ways to experience the Sydney Opera House. Whatever you choose to do, you will likely start your visit at the Welcome Center on the Lower Concourse. If you're short on time, you can check out the structure from the red-granite steps, then walk down the Western Boardwalk for unbeatable harbor views.

For a deeper understanding of the building and its history, take an official tour through the Concert Hall, Joan Sutherland Theatre, and smaller theaters. Along with the standard one-hour tour, experiences tailored to families, foodies, and theater fans are also available. Tours run daily and should be booked in advance.

If you'd rather catch a performance , you'll have plenty to choose from. The Opera House hosts 2,000 shows across 363 days each year, from musical theater to dance and contemporary music. The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Opera Australia, Sydney Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and Australian Ballet are all based here.

How To Visit

You won't have any trouble spotting the Opera House in central Sydney. It can be found at Bennelong Point on the southern side of Sydney Harbour, in between the Royal Botanic Gardens and Circular Quay.

It's situated close to many of the city's main attractions, so you are likely to pass it during your stay. The Opera House is a five-minute walk from Circular Quay, a public transport hub, and is surrounded by restaurants and bars.

Fine dining restaurant Bennelong serves some of the city's best modern Australian cuisine, while the more casual Portside offers light meals, coffee, and sweet treats. Sitting side-by-side on the harbor, Opera Kitchen and Opera Bar are perfect for a glass of wine or some pre-theater snacks. (It goes without saying that all the dining options also have stellar views of the Harbour Bridge.)

Paid parking is available around the clock at the Opera House, starting from $13 per hour. The car park can be busy before popular performances, so we recommend allowing extra time or taking public transport if possible.

Entry to the Opera House foyer and welcome center is free, but the only way to see farther inside is to take a tour or see a show . Tours start from around $30 per person, while performance tickets vary.

On weekends and during the summer, you can avoid the crowds at the Opera House by arriving early. Tours early in the day also have a better chance of seeing all the performance spaces before they are closed to visitors for the nightly shows.

If sunsets are more your thing, visit in the evening and take in the free Bada Gili daily light show. The welcome center is open from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, and tours run daily from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

Things to Do Nearby

For the best views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, make your way across the Botanic Gardens to the eastern edge of the Domain (a 20-minute walk). Here you'll find Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a large bench cut into exposed sandstone by convicts in 1810. The bench was originally created for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of the Governor of New South Wales, but has since become one of the most popular photo spots in the city.

The Opera House is located at the eastern end of the Circular Quay entertainment precinct , dotted with restaurants and cafes. Once you've worked up an appetite, stop in at Sydney Cove Oyster Bar for fresh seafood or Messina for the city's most inventive gelato flavors. Circular Quay is also the city's ferry hub, so you can easily take a scenic ride across the harbor to Manly or Watson's Bay.

On the other side of Circular Quay, you'll find the Museum of Contemporary Art , as well as the Rocks , the city's oldest neighborhood. Take a weekday stroll through the Rocks to check out the pubs and boutique stores, or visit on the weekend to enjoy the open-air markets under the Harbour Bridge. For sweeping views of the whole bay, you can even climb the bridge itself!

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Sydney Opera House Tour

Step inside and discover the legendary history and extraordinary secrets of the Sydney Opera House. Experience the life, energy and buzz of Australia’s favourite building.

Beneath the magnificent sails lies incredible spaces and stories. Learn about the controversial history, unforgettable performances and exciting future of the Sydney Opera House. Walk through and see the House up close and personal. Each perspective brings a unique and breathtaking experience.

Tours depart daily and are one hour in duration.

Also available in French, German, Spanish and Mandarin. Available in Japanese and Korean as a 30 minute tour.

Location - Physical Address               Sydney Opera House Bennelong Point Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Accessibility

Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

Sydney Opera House Architectural Tour

Sydney Opera House Architectural Tour

Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour

Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour

Sydney Opera House Mobility Access Tour

Sydney Opera House Mobility Access Tour

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sydney opera house tourism

Sunburnt Screens An Australian Film Odyssey

Hosted by Australia's favourite cinephile Alexei Toliopoulos at the Sydney Opera House this June, Sunburnt Screens: An Australian Cinema Odyssey presents a rollicking journey through the last 50 years of Australian cinema.

Inspired by the Sunburnt Screens podcast, highlights of the season include the world premiere of the new 4K restoration of underseen Sydney beach noir The Empty Beach  (1985) starring Bryan Brown, plus a preview screening of the buzzy contemporary outback thriller Birdeater  from debut directors Jack Clark and Jim Weir. Rounding out the program is a 25th anniversary screening of Two Hands  (1999), a new 4K restoration of Rolf de Heer’s Cannes award-winning Ten Canoes  (2006), Gillian Armstrong’s The Last Days of Chez Nous  (1992) written by Helen Garner and a screening of Brian Trenchard-Smith’s Sydney Harbour-set Ozploitation extravaganza The Man from Hong Kong  (1975).

Tickets for all films are $30. Purchase a ticket to two films from the season to save 15%

Each session will feature a special introduction by Alexei Toliopoulos and is presented by Sydney Opera House and Umbrella Entertainment.

sydney opera house tourism

The Empty Beach

After a routine investigation turns into a supposed drowning, private investigator Cliff Hardy (Brown) soon found himself running for his life in the seedy, violent underworld of Sydney’s playground, Bondi.

sydney opera house tourism

The Man from Hong Kong

Brian Trenchard-Smith’s The Man from Hong Kong finds Inspector Fang Sing Leng (Jimmy Wang Yu) flown into Sydney to assist the local authorities in busting an international criminal racket.

sydney opera house tourism

A collaboration between Rolf de Heer and the Ramingining community of central Arnhem Land, Ten Canoes is a cautionary tale of forbidden love shot on the beautiful Arafura Swamp.

sydney opera house tourism

Birdeater + Director Introduction

A bride-to-be is invited to join her own fiancé’s bachelor party on a remote property in the Australian outback. Uncomfortable details about their relationship are exposed and the celebration soon becomes a feral nightmare.

sydney opera house tourism

A beloved Sydney-set '90s crime classic, Two Hands is notable for its breakout performances from stars Heath Ledger and Rose Byrne.

sydney opera house tourism

The Last Days of Chez Nous + Director Q&A

Gillian Armstrong's ( My Brilliant Career ) acclaimed Australian drama explores love, trust and betrayal. Modern matriarch Beth (Harrow) is doing her best to raise daughter Annie (Otto) whilst enjoy the best of an easy-going marriage to Frenchman JP (Ganz).

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Yiruma Announces 2024 Sydney Opera House Encore Concert

  • Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

South Korean composer and pianist Yiruma is set to return to Australia for an exclusive performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House this June. This special concert celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House.

Yiruma will grace the Sydney Opera House concert hall on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 7:30 PM for a live performance.

Yiruma – ‘River Flows In You’

Yiruma is recognized as one of the world’s leading composer-pianists.He is famous for his hits “River Flows in You” and “Kiss the Rain.” With over 2 billion streams,

In a statement, Yiruma expressed his excitement about returning to Australia. “I feel such a special connection to the Sydney Opera House and Australian audiences. The opportunity to perform in this remarkable venue again as part of its 50th year celebrations is an occasion that will be a highlight of this World Tour,” he said.

This performance marks YIRUMA’s return to Australia after his sold-out Oceania tour in December 2023, where tickets for his Sydney Opera House concert sold out in just a few days.

Sydney audiences will be treated to a set spanning Yiruma’s illustrious career, including the live debut of tracks from his 2023 EP, “non è la fine,” accompanied by cello. His best-selling neo-classical music will be brought to life by a string orchestra featuring piano, violin, and cello.

Don’t miss this chance to witness Yiruma’s magical performance in one of the world’s most iconic venues.

Yiruma Australian Live Peformance 2024

Friday, 28th June – Sydney Opera House, Sydney : 7:30 pm

Tickets are now available to buy via Sydney Opera House’s official website , with ticket prices starting from $90 to $299 onwards.

Further Reading

Apashe Announces 2024 Australian Tour

Old Mervs Announces 2024 Australian Tour

Childish Gambino Adds Additional Show For Australian Leg Tour Of 2025 ‘The New World Tour’

The post Yiruma Announces 2024 Sydney Opera House Encore Concert appeared first on Music Feeds .

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COMMENTS

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    Experience the Opera House in a different light with a sunset tour during Vivid Sydney. Step inside as the sun goes down and discover the legendary history and extraordinary secrets of the House. Finish with a drink at Vivid LIVE pop-up bar, Bar Subterranean, as you watch the Sydney Harbour light up. 7 - 14 Jun 2024 Experiences.

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  3. The Sydney Opera House Tour

    Step inside and discover the legendary history and extraordinary secrets of the Sydney Opera House. Experience the life, energy and buzz of Australia's favourite building. Please note this tour includes up to 300 stairs with no lift access. For a stair free tour, you may wish to take our Mobility Access Tour. Dates and times. Ticket pricing.

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    The Sydney Opera House offers a range of tours that bring you behind the scenes of the venue's history, architecture and show production. True theatre enthusiasts can even land a walk-on role to experience opera from the performer's perspective. Don a custom-fitted costume and step into the spotlight for one unforgettable night.

  7. Tour & Dine

    Tour in English. Also available in French, German, Spanish and Mandarin.It is available in Japanese and Korean as a 30 minute tour. There is a maximum of 35 people per tour and a maximum of 11 people per booking. If you would like to make a group booking, book a tour in Mandarin or are unable to book online, please call 02 8188 3734 to place a reservation via our Reservations team.

  8. Sydney Opera House Tours

    Step inside and discover the legendary history and extraordinary secrets of the Sydney Opera House. You can choose from their one hour, backstage, architectural, mobility and kids tours. You've seen the outside but that's only half the story. Beneath our magnificent sails lies incredible spaces and stories.

  9. Sydney Opera House

    Overview. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a first-timer or an aficionado, the Sydney Opera House has something for you. One of the most iconic buildings in the world - the Sydney Opera House, is an architectural masterpiece and vibrant performance space. It's a place where the past shapes the future, where conventions are challenged, and ...

  10. Sydney Opera House

    Things to do. The Sydney Opera House was opened in 1973, its concert halls and theatres host more than 1,600 performances a year, from opera to comedy shows . You can also walk around the Opera House forecourt, day or night, and marvel at the unique building, which uses seawater from the harbour to power both the cooling and heating.

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    In 2000, the Opera House was front and center of the Olympic Arts Festival. Then in 2009, Sydney's largest culture festival, Vivid, first projected its now-famous light show onto the Opera House's sails. In 2019, more than 8 million people visited this impressive venue, taking tours, attending performances, and admiring the building itself.

  13. 7 BEST Sydney Opera House Tours +Tips to Know BEFORE You Go!

    A tour group inside the Sydney Opera House. We've listed our 7 favorite tours of the Sydney Opera House. These include classic guided tours, watching shows, eating food, and marveling at architecture. The timing for the tours varies based on the tour you choose and sometimes even the time of year you visit.

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    The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, Australia. Located on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, it is widely regarded as one of the world's most famous and distinctive buildings and a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture.. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, but completed by an Australian architectural team headed by Peter Hall, the building was ...

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    Tours run Saturdays at 8.15am and 10am. We encourage you to purchase your tour in advance. Please note the tour is not available on 15 March 2025. Tours are subject to availability. ... The Sydney Opera House Car Park, operated by Wilson Parking, is open and available to use. Wilson Parking offer discounted parking if you book ahead.

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  20. Sydney Opera House Tour

    Learn about the controversial history, unforgettable performances and exciting future of the Sydney Opera House. Walk through and see the House up close and personal. Each perspective brings a unique and breathtaking experience. Tours depart daily and are one hour in duration. Also available in French, German, Spanish and Mandarin.

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