The Sydney Opera House is Australia’s most iconic and identifiable landmarks; and one of the world’s most significant buildings of the twentieth century, it is said to have put Australia on the world stage of architectural triumphs, not to mention the International artists and performers who have called “the House” home. .

Its creation was born with inspiration and imagination but also at a personal cost to it’s architect designer. Jorn Utzon, a Dane won the competition to create this breathtaking triumph, but he was pressured half-way through to leave Australia and his project and sadly has never returned to see the finished project. it is said the the building was well ahead of its time, far ahead of available technology – a building that changed the image of the country.

It is built on a site sacred to the local Gadigal people for thousands of years, Bennelong Point (named after Bennelong who lived here and was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the youngest architectural feats under World Heritage.

Opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House has been home to many of the world’s greatest artists and performances, and a meeting place for local and international visitors alike.

Enjoying more than 8.2 million visitors a year and one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres, presenting more than 2000 shows a year for more than 1.5 million people, from the work of the seven flagship arts companies  and the First Nations’ arts and culture , talks and ideas, theatre, comedy, musicals, dance, ballet, Shakespeare, Opera, classical and contemporary music. Visit our What’s On page to see the companies and performers who bring art to life every day beneath the famous sails.

Tip: Looking for a fancy date night option or night out?

Head to the open air Opera Bar for a cocktail with a rockstar position on the Harbour wherever you sit, it is still a favourite amongst the local CBD workers.

Or treat yourself to a spectacular fine dining experience at Bennelong , with it’s cathedral-like interior and spectacular views across Sydney Harbour, Bennelong Restaurant specialises in modern Australian cuisine who has Chef Peter Gilmore. Currently presently have a Live at Bennelong where your Sunday Lunch is accompanied by a variety of live performances with famous Australian performers from Symphony orchestra to contemporary soloists performing Live adding to your dining experience. Other places include the Opera Kitchen and Portside that can be a great place to stop in for pre or post theatre visits.

Did you know?

Bennelong is named after one of the most significant and notable Aboriginal people in the early history of European settlers in Sydney in 1790’s. He ‘befriended’ the early settlers and was built a hut to reside on the bank that became Bennelong Point (the spot where the Opera House now stands. Read more about the First Nation’s history of Bennelong and his wife Barangaroo