When Was the Sydney Opera House Built?

The iconic Sydney Opera House, one of Australia's most beloved landmarks, has a fascinating history that spans over five decades. The building's construction began in 1959 and took an astonishing 14 years to complete, exceeding its initial timeline by more than a decade.

Eero Saarinen, a renowned architect, was the first to take notice of Danish architect Jørn Utzon's unique design proposal for the Sydney Opera House. Despite lacking detailed information and plans, Utzon's sketch caught the attention of Saarinen, which ultimately led to the project moving forward. Australian Prime Minister Joseph Cahill quickly announced that construction would commence within two years.

Utzon, along with engineering firm Ove Arup, worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive design based on complex sectional models derived from spheres. When Utzon presented his idea at the 1957 competition, he only showed a few schematic drawings, leaving many wondering about the concept behind the project. Little did they know that the Sydney Opera House would eventually feature over 1000 rooms, including music studios and a capacity to accommodate more than 5000 people comfortably seated.

The building's unique structure is composed of 'shells' that provide cover for various theater complexes organized along two main axes. Despite Utzon being forced to abandon the project by a new government, the complexity of the engineering delayed the construction multiple times until it was finally completed in 1973 at a staggering cost of AU$102 million.

The original plan was to complete the project within three years at a cost of AU$3 million. However, Utzon's vision and determination led to the creation of a masterpiece that has become synonymous with Sydney and Australian culture. In his own words, Utzon described the building's concept as 'slices of oranges,' a testament to his innovative thinking.

The Sydney Opera House's groundbreaking ceremony took place in 1959 at Bennelong Point, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that would change the city's skyline forever. Today, the opera house is one of Australia's most iconic and beloved landmarks, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its history serves as a reminder of the power of vision, perseverance, and architectural genius.

When was the sydney opera house built