Fun Facts about the Sydney Opera House +Quiz

It might be one of the most recognised buildings in the world, but just how much do you know about the Sydney Opera House? Despite its global fame, did you know that its brilliant architect, Jørn Utzon, never saw the completed masterpiece in person?

From its origins as a controversial project to its status as a cultural icon, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House is home to four performance companies, two bars, several restaurants, and from its home on Bennelong Point, probably the best vantage point in Sydney.

Its architectural significance is undisputed, but few know very much about it. So if facts and figures about the building intrigue you, read on, then try out the little quiz to see how much you have learnt.

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10 Quick Facts about the Sydney Opera House
Who designed the Sydney Opera House?
What is the Sydney Opera House used for?
When is the best time to visit the Sydney Opera House?
Guided Tours of the Sydney Opera House

10 Quick Facts about the Sydney Opera House

Visiting with family and friends? Throw in a couple of these facts and impress them with your research skills.

An international competition selected the Opera House design from over 230 entries spanning 32 countries.
Remarkably, the Opera House’s $102 million construction cost was primarily funded through a government-organized lottery.
The sails are made of 1,056,006 self-cleaning white and cream Swedish tiles.
Each year, the Opera House hosts more than 2,500 performances, captivating audiences from all over the globe.
The Concert Hall can seat 2679 people and houses the largest mechanical tracker action organ in the world.
Situated on Bennelong Point, the Opera House honors an Aboriginal man named Bennelong who befriended Governor Macquarie.
Taking 16 years to complete, the construction of the Opera House was a feat of engineering and perseverance.
In a unique commencement, the first performance was by Paul Robeson, who serenaded construction workers with “Old Man River.”
In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger graced the concert hall stage during a Mr. World competition.
Spanning 1.8 hectares, the Sydney Opera House encompasses a wealth of cultural and architectural experiences.
Before the Opera House, the site served as a bustling tram terminus, a hub of urban transit.

Who designed the Sydney Opera House?

Here’s a clue—he wasn’t an Aussie.

The architect behind this amazing building was 38-year-old Danish architect Jorn Utzon. Chosen from over 230 entries, his drawings won him £5000 and the position managing the project. The building went over schedule and budget, and after the NSW government had stopped payments due to these issues, Jorn resigned as chief architect and left the country shortly after.

Sadly, Utzon never returned to see the completed building. Much of the interior wasn’t finished according to his original design, though efforts in recent years have aimed to honor his vision.

Read more about Jorn Utzon and the Sydney Opera House and view the original drawings of the Sydney Opera House submitted by Jorn at the NSW State Record digital gallery.

What is the Sydney Opera House used for?

The Opera House is home to the five theatres, rehearsal studios, two main halls, four restaurants, six bars and a souvenir shop. In total, close to 1000 rooms are located inside the shell and underground.

You can immerse yourself in a myriad of performances, ranging from classical ballet and vibrant circus acts to gripping dramas, musicals, and soul-stirring symphonies. The Opera House also hosts cabaret, thought-provoking talks, fascinating exhibitions, and cultural eisteddfods.

The following companies regularly perform here:

Australian Chamber Orchestra
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Bell Shakespeare
Opera Australia
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Sydney Theatre Company
The Australian Ballet

Tickets often range from $50-75, offering a chance to explore this iconic venue. If you wish to experience the grandeur of the main attraction, the Concert Hall, ensure your chosen performance is scheduled there. Many visitors might not realize that several smaller, less imposing spaces are also part of this architectural wonder.

When is the best time to visit the Sydney Opera House?

The beauty of the Sydney Opera House can be appreciated year-round, but if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, visit during the VIVID Sydney Festival. Held annually in May and June, this dazzling event transforms the city with vibrant light displays, with the Opera House as its centerpiece.

Vivid Sydney — *Opera House sails lit up in Vivid*

For guided tours, mornings are ideal to avoid the crowds and absorb the history and stories behind this iconic structure.

During VIVID, other significant buildings across Sydney are also illuminated in stunning colors and designs, each year showcasing a unique theme and artists from around the world.

Guided Tours of the Sydney Opera House

Joining a guided tour is one of the best ways to learn more about how the Opera House was designed and built.

*Northern Foyer Sydney Opera House Purple Carpet*

There are two main types of tours of the Opera House available:

The “Essentials” tour

The Essentials Tour is a standard one hour tour that covers the main public areas of the building.

Tours are also offered in Mandarin

The Backstage Tour

For a more exclusive experience, the Backstage Tour explore areas usually reserved for performers and staff, getting a special view of what makes the Opera House famous.

We sent writer Joanne Karcz along to do a Backstage Tour this year and shared a full review so you can see if it’s right for you.