World Heritage Listed
The Sydney Opera House stands alone on the harbour foreshore known as Benelong Point. The outline of the white tiled roof resembling full blown sails against the stunning harbour backdrop. This is the cultural centre of Sydney, the one place travelers and visitors alike stand in awe. This building is urban architecture at it best!
Sydney Opera House designed by the Danish architech Jorn Utzon (1918-2008), the Opera Hoause became a hotly debated sore point long before completion in 1973. With cost blowouts to the tune of millions of dollars and much controversy it was finally completed and officially opened in 1973 and are'nt we thankful it was? It truly is one of the must see icons of the world.
Did you know that Mr Utzon decided he wanted no part in such controversy and so tendered his resignation?
More than 30years later, in 1999, the man and his brain-child, the Opera House, were re-united, commissioned once more.
In 2004 Mr Utzon redesigned the reception hall, this was rebuilt and finally renamed the “Utzon Room.” Jorn Utzon declared this to be “the greatest honor he could ever receive” The versatile room not only has quality acoustics but also houses his own design creation, a 14meter high tapestry.
On November 29th, 2008 Jorn Utzon died peacefully at home at the age of 90. Today his legacy lives on with one of the world's most recognizable structures being the cultural centre piece of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Interesting Sydney Opera House Information
Today this jewel in the city's crown is World Heritage listed it is the numero uno place to visit. The expert evaluation report to the World Heritage Committee stated: “...it stands by itself as one of the indisputable masterpieces of human creativity, not only in the 20th century but in the history of humankind.” And look at it! wouldn't you agree?
Thousands of people visit the Sydney Opera House every year, some just to admire it, others to enjoy the cultural performances. Tours are available to the public and if you choose do take one, you can visit backstage areas and learn secrets that the general public never know about.
Sydney Opera House guides have been especially hand picked for their knowledge and passion. They love their jobs which benefits you. The tour visits several different theatres, the pit which houses up to 70 members of the orchestra, the fly tower where scenery is hung and the conductor's suite that gets used by performing VIP's. To book a tour or find out more click this link.
This magnificent building is home to numerous music, dance and theartre companies that perform there and in essence, are every piece as good as others elsewhere. For more information about whats on visit,
www.sydneyoperahouse.com.au
Bluesky Markets There are market stalls in the grounds of the Sydney Opera House every Sunday and public holidays from 9.00am,(weather permitting?) Come and visit, you’ll find all sorts of arts and crafts, jewelery and photography along with other hand made goodies. For more information visit,
www.blueskymarkets.com.au
The Opera Bar If you’re in Sydney and would like to unwind while taking in some of the best views in Australia, visit the Opera Bar on the lower western concourse. Known as “the best beer garden in the world” it’s open from 11.30 till late with live music nightly and jazz on the weekends. There are some excellent meals available and you can even try their very own brewed beer – ‘Opera Bar Organic Pale Ale’ or ‘Opera Bar Organic Blonde’
For more information call 9247 1666 or visit
www.operabar.com.au
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