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Today, it would be hard to imagine Sydney without the iconic silhouette of the Opera House. But, like any good drama, the story of this world-renowned venue is one of highs and lows, moments of innovation and of disaster.
Opera House Competition Guidelines, Page 1 (1956) by Government of the State of New South WalesSydney Opera House
In 1955 an international design competition was launched by NSW Premier Joseph Cahill, calling for a venue suitable for operas, ballets, and concerts to be sited at Bennelong Point. A total of 233 entries, representing architects from 32 countries, were received.
Jørn Utzon's competition submission drawing number 1 (1956) by Jørn UtzonSydney Opera House
The winning design, announced in 1957, was by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. According to legend, the design was first rejected, before being rescued by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.
Architects Leslie Martin, Jørn Utzon and Eero Saarinen discuss next steps (1957) by RIBASydney Opera House
Jørn Utzon (centre)
Page 4, Plan of halls (1958) by Jørn UtzonSydney Opera House
The plan was to build the complex structure in three stages: first the concrete base, then the curved 'shell' roof, and finally the interior and theatre machinery. The construction of the building would eventually end up spanning 14 years, from 1959 to 1973.
Model of the early parabolic scheme, 1:60 scale (1958) by State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
A model of one of Utzon's early designs.
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The Opera House as it stands today.
Construction in the stage well (1969) by Max DupainSydney Opera House
Construction commenced on 2 March 1959, but Utzon had not actually finished his designs, and major questions about the building's structural integrity remained unanswered. By 23 January 1961, work was running nearly a year behind schedule.
A rare colour image of the construction site (1964) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
Work on the concrete base was finally completed in February 1963. But it was soon discovered that corners cut earlier in the construction meant that the foundations couldn't support the weight of the roof, and had to be rebuilt.
The ribs being set in place with crane and erection arch (1965) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
The 'shell' roof of the building was central to Utzon's design, but the engineers actually tasked with constructing the concrete panels struggled to find an acceptable solution. From 1957 to 1963, the design team ruled out at least 12 different options.
Workers in front of a pedestal and side shell (1964) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
The construction process was notable for being one of the first to use computers to model the complex forces that the shells would be placed under. Data was collected at the end of each day and fed into the computer that would calculate the result overnight.
Gluing the tiles in place (1965) by State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
From a distance, the shells appears to be pure white and smooth, but they are actually made of 1,056,006 individual glossy white and matte cream tiles, arranged in a subtle chevron pattern.
Final work on the Northern Foyer begins, during construction Stage Three (1972) by Max DupainSydney Opera House
On 6 April 1962, it was estimated that the Opera House would be completed between August 1964 and March 1965. By 1966, with the building still incomplete, the project had cost A$22.9 million.
Major Hall, original stage machinery (1965) by Max DupainSydney Opera House
That same year Utzon resigned and Lothar Cremer, the project's acoustic specialist, reported that the hall would only be able to seat 2000, rather than the 3000 expected. In addition, the stage designer Martin Carr criticised almost every single aspect of the design.
Surveying the Concert Hall (1970) by Max DupainSydney Opera House
The building was completed in 1973, having cost A$102 million. The original cost and scheduling estimates in 1957 projected a cost of A$7 million and completion date of January 1963. In reality, the project was completed ten years late and 1,357% over budget.
Bennelong Restaurant, newly opened with Circular Quay in the distance (1973) by Max DupainSydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20 October 1973. Utzon was not invited to the ceremony, nor was his name mentioned. The opening was televised and included fireworks and a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
Jørn Utzon (1965 (printed 2006)) by Jozef VisselNational Portrait Gallery
In the late 1990s, the Opera House reconciled with Utzon and he was appointed as a design consultant for future work. In 2003, Utzon recieved the Pritzker Architecture Prize, one of the highest awards in the field.
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The Pritzker Prize citation read…
"There is no doubt that the Sydney Opera House is his masterpiece. It is one of the great iconic buildings of the 20th century, an image of great beauty that has become known throughout the world – a symbol for not only a city, but a whole country and continent."
