Views of the Sydney Opera House from the archives

From conception to construction, the Opera House tested the limits of engineering, building and design, bringing together multiple disciplines, companies, ideas and people. The photographs in our archives detail some of the complexities involved.

After all the delays and debates of construction, the completed building quickly became iconic. Its unique sculptural qualities, harbourside setting and sweeping views have become synonymous with Sydney itself.

The approach to the Opera House has changed over the years. Up until 1988, this covered walkway protected visitors from weather coming from Circular Quay.

Before the Forecourt was paved with granite setts, it was paved in bitumen and even used for parking cars.

In 1988 construction of a covered pathway with tours, retail and dining amenities, now called the Lower Concourse.

The Western Broadwalk has been an entry point to foyers, theatres and the Dennis Wolanski Library of the Performing Arts. In the early 2000s, Jørn Utzon and JPW Architects designed a Colonnade on the Broadwalk.

Construction of the Opera House was in three stages. The final stage involved the completion of the glass walls and the interiors, designed by architect Peter Hall.

Peter Hall, Vilhelm Jordan and Ben Schlanger discuss the uses of the different venues at the House.

In 2007 the Sydney Opera House was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage register as a “masterpiece of human creative genius”. The interiors and exteriors work in harmony to create a venue that inspires and engages from all angles.