Sydney Opera House

-- Sydney Opera House --

You might argue with me, but I think that there probably isn’t a single building as instantly recognizable as the Sydney Opera House. The curves of the vaulted roofs, that is completely unique, is just not something you’re likely to ever forget, once you’ve seen them.

Unique Position

What makes the Opera House stand out even more (although let’s face it, it would stand out anywhere) is it’s position at the end of Bennalong Point. It’s surrounded by water on three sides, and with the harbor bridge in the background, it’s almost like the protector of the city, a guard sitting on the edge of the harbor.

Inside the Opera House

That cutting edge, unique design is not only for show though. The Sydney Opera House, contrary to it’s name, is not only for opera.

Instead, the various shells that make up the opera house actually house a lot of different organizations, like the Australian Opera company, the Australian Ballet, the Sydney Symphony, and the Sydney Theater Company, so even if you’re not an opera fan, you can find an excuse to see the inside of the opera house too!

Construction Headaches

The building of the opera house was by no means an easy feat, and since it was already in the early design stages in the 1940’s, and in construction by the 1960’s, before the use of computers for engineering problems like this was the norm, that makes it even more interesting.

In fact, computer aided design, in a very early form was used for the design and construction process, but since each of the shells has it’s own unique geometry, their design was a major headache for the engineers involved.

Then they hit on a brilliant idea – constructing each shell from sections of the same sphere. There were many changes and alterations to the original design, to make Jorn Utzon, the Danish architects design, work in practice.

The final opera house cost $102 million. Then again, it has become the most well known symbol of Sydney, and possibly, with the exception of Ayers Rock, the most well known symbol of Australia.

Appreciating the Opera House

To really appreciate the opera house, you need to see it from more than one angle – up close, so you can appreciate just how enormous it is, and from across the harbor, so that you can marvel at the design, which really is amazing.

It’s also a great idea to see it in daylight, and at night, when it’s lit up, and you can really see the lines and shadows. Then, since it is an opera house, and theatre, you need to book a show, and see it from the inside. If you can, try to visit the concert hall – the sheer size of the organ will amaze you almost as much as the building itself!

Whatever you do, you’ll never forget your trip to the Sydney Opera House, but remember to take lots of snaps for your photo album!

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