The Fifth Facade: 1966-67
As Stage Two of the construction of the Sydney Opera House neared its end, its most iconic feature, the roof of vaulted shells and glistening tiles, came strikingly into focus.
Looking north over Sydney Harbour and the construction site at Bennelong Point (1964) by State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
Aerial view during construction of Stage Two (2) (1965) by State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
Looking through the mighty Shell A2 at the Maritime Services Board, later to become the Museum of Contemporary Art (1965) by Jørn Utzon, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
Guiding the hoist line of a crane from the top of the erection arch (1965) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
From left, Shell A1, Shell A2, Shell A5 (1966) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
Onsite parking during construction (1965) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
"Men working."
The so-called erection arch in action, used to assemble the ribs of the shells in place (1965) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
Looking west at the construction site (1966) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
Installation of the Major Hall stage machinery (1965) by Max DupainSydney Opera House
The cathedral-like ceiling of the vaulted roof shells (1967) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
Major Hall, original stage machinery (1965) by Max DupainSydney Opera House
Under the vaulted roof (1967) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
This excerpt describes the application of the tiles to the shells of the roof.
A worker inspects a tile lid as it dries under the Monumental Steps (1964) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
This excerpt details the finishing of the roof shells in 1966.
Stage Two, the roof, completed (1967) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
Sydneysiders on the western promenade of Circular Quay (1970) by Max Dupain, State Library of New South WalesSydney Opera House
Created by Sam Doust and the
Sydney Opera House GCI Team
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Contributors:
Arup
Estate of David Moore
State Library of New South Wales
