On September 29, the first public concert in the Concert Hall took place.On September 28, 1973, a performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s War and Peace was played at the Opera Theatre.Prior to the opening, two performances had already taken place there.The opening was televised and included fireworks and a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. The Opera House was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II on October 20, 1973.In 2001, Utzon was invited back to restore the building to be more like his original designs. The project was completed ten years later and cost more than fourteen times the original budget. The building finally opened on October 20, 1973.Utzon left the project in February 1966 because the government was not paying his invoices. It was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon.The Sydney Opera House was built on the same spot and work began in 1959. On 10 August 1902, the Fort Macquarie Tram Depot was opened at Bennelong Point.Bennelong Point was once home to Fort Macquarie (the fort was built in 1817 and knocked down in 1901). The land where the Sydney Opera House stands is called Bennelong Point.The Utzon Room has a capacity of 210 people. The Studio has a capacity of 400 people.This venue is used by the Australian Ballet and Opera Australia. The Joan Sutherland Theatre has a capacity of 1,507 people.It is the biggest venue of the Opera House.

This venue is mostly used by Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

The Concert Hall has a capacity of 2,679 people.

The two different colors of tiles used in the structure are ‘matte cream’ and ‘glossy white’. The outer covering of the building is made up of concrete panels called ‘shells’.

The Swedish company that made the tiles of the Opera House is named Höganäs AB.

Key Facts & Information PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION See the fact file below for more facts and information on the Sydney Opera House or download the double bundle worksheet collection which includes over 20 worksheets to utilise within the classroom or home environment. He won a design competition to design the Opera House in 1957. It was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre at Sydney Harbour in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Download the Sydney Opera House Facts & Worksheets.

Fun facts about the sydney opera house