One of the most iconic buildings in the world – the Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and vibrant performance space. It's a place where the past shapes the future, where conventions are challenged and cultures are celebrated. Step inside and discover the stories that make the Opera House so inspiring..
What impact does the Sydney Opera House have?
In 2023, the Opera House contributed $1.2 billion to the NSW economy, supporting more than 8,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. While its internal operations are significant ($361 million), its biggest impact comes from drawing tourists to Sydney from around the country and around the world ($824 million)..
What is the Sydney Opera House a symbol of?
It has been a stage for some of the world's greatest artists, a gathering place for our community, and a symbol of Australia's creativity and innovation. Mastercard is honoured to be a part of the Sydney Opera House story..
Why is the Sydney Opera House associated with Australian society?
The Sydney Opera House is one of the 20th century's most iconic buildings. It broke new ground for design and engineering around the world. Since its opening in 1973 it has become a symbol the world immediately associates with Sydney and Australia..
Although the 'shells' of the Opera House resemble sails of a ship, the building's design was actually inspired by nature. Architect Jorn Utzon says he was more influenced by birds, clouds, walnuts and trees.
One of the most iconic buildings in the world – the Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and vibrant performance space. It's a place where the past shapes the future, where conventions are challenged and cultures are celebrated. Step inside and discover the stories that make the Opera House so inspiring.
Outstanding Universal Value
The Sydney Opera House constitutes a masterpiece of 20th century architecture. Its significance is based on its unparalleled design and construction; its exceptional engineering achievements and technological innovation and its position as a world-famous icon of architecture.
Outstanding Universal Value
The Sydney Opera House constitutes a masterpiece of 20th century architecture. Its significance is based on its unparalleled design and construction; its exceptional engineering achievements and technological innovation and its position as a world-famous icon of architecture.
The Sydney Opera House constitutes a masterpiece of 20th century architecture. Its significance is based on its unparalleled design and construction; its exceptional engineering achievements and technological innovation and its position as a world-famous icon of architecture.
How did the Opera House change Australia?
From conception to completion, the building tested the limits of engineering, construction and design
When the Opera House opened its doors in 1973, changing the image of Australia, a new era of cultural discovery and community engagement began
What is the Sydney Opera House?
These shell-structures are set upon a vast platform and are surrounded by terrace areas that function as pedestrian concourses
In 1957, when the project of the Sydney Opera House was awarded by an international jury to Danish architect Jørn Utzon, it marked a radically new approach to construction
View from the air towards the south east
Why is Sydney Opera House a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Opera house in Sydney Australia is one of the most iconic landmarks
The architecture of the building is quite fascinating and the building has a lot of interesting facets of culture to explore
This building was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2007
×The Sydney Opera House is Australia’s most-recognised cultural institution and a celebrated community meeting place. It is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a masterpiece of human creative genius and a world-class performing arts centre. The Opera House has been home to many of the world’s greatest artists and performances, and a meeting place for matters of local and international significance since opening in 1973. It has become the nation's most recognisable building and an icon synonymous with Sydney and Australia's independent cultural spirit.,The SydneyOperaHouse is Australia’s most-recognised cultural institution and a celebrated community meeting place. It is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a masterpiece of human creative genius and a world-class performing arts centre.Built to “help mould a better and more enlightened community,” in the words of New South Wales Premier Joseph Cahill in 1954, the Sydney Opera House has been home to many of the world’s greatest artists and performances, and a meeting place for matters of local and international significance since opening in 1973.The Opera House has become the nation's most recognisable building and an icon synonymous with Sydney and Australia's independent cultural spirit. For most observers, the white billowing silhouette, harbour-side location and proximity to the curves of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, create an unforgettable panorama.
Cultural significance of sydney opera house
Historic site in New South Wales, Australia
Brett Whiteley House is a heritage-listed arts and crafts studio and residence in Lavender Bay, North Sydney Council, New South Wales, Australia. It was built during 1905 by Henry Green. It is also known as Brett Whiteley House and Visual Curtilage and Lochgyle. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 23 March 2018.
Evatt House is a heritage-listed house located
Historic site in New South Wales, Australia
Evatt House is a heritage-listed house located at 69 Junction Road in the Sydney suburb of Wahroonga in the Ku-ring-gai Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as Parklands. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 24 September 2004.
The First Government House was the first residence for the Governors of
Heritage-listed site in Sydney, Australia
The First Government House was the first residence for the Governors of New South Wales located at 41 Bridge Street, in the Sydney central business district in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1788 to 1789 and used until 1845, after which it was demolished in 1846. Some of the site is now occupied by the Museum of Sydney. Its construction was attributed to James Bloodsworth. It is also known as First Government House Site, Museum of Sydney and A Rum Rebellion Site. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 December 1999; and on 19 August 2005 the site was listed on the National Heritage List.
The Government House is the heritage-listed vice-regal residence of
Official residence of the governor of New South Wales
The Government House is the heritage-listed vice-regal residence of the governor of New South Wales, Australia, located on Conservatorium Road in the Sydney central business district adjacent to the Royal Botanic Garden, overlooking Sydney Harbour, just south of the Sydney Opera House. Constructed between 1837 and 1843, the property has been the vice-regal residence of the Governor since Sir George Gipps, except for two brief periods; the first between 1901 and 1914, when the property was leased to the Commonwealth of Australia as the residence of the Governor-General of Australia, and the second from 1996 to 2011.
Luna Park Sydney is a heritage-listed amusement park located at 1
Amusement park in Milson's Point, New South Wales, Australia
Luna Park Sydney is a heritage-listed amusement park located at 1 Olympic Drive in the harbourside suburb of Milsons Point, New South Wales, Australia, on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour. The amusement park is owned by the Luna Park Reserve Trust, an agency of the Government of New South Wales, and was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 5 March 2010.
Australia's monuments take on many distinct forms
Australia's monuments take on many distinct forms, including statues, fountains, natural landmarks and buildings. Whilst some monuments of Australia hold a national significance, many are constructed and maintained by local community groups, and are primarily significant on a local scale. Although Australia's monuments have many roles, including as tourist attractions, their primary purpose is to safeguard, prolong or preserve social memory into the future. This social memory may relate to anything from colonisation to local industry to sports. The monuments of Australia reflect the nation's social and political history and by memorialising select moments, contribute to shaping how Australian history is told. Although a significant portion of Australia is desert, the population is highly urbanised and the cities contain some noteworthy monuments.
Opera Australia is the principal opera company in Australia
Principal opera company in Australia
Opera Australia is the principal opera company in Australia. Based in Sydney, its performance season at the Sydney Opera House accompanied by the Opera Australia Orchestra runs for approximately eight months of the year, with the remainder of its time spent at the Arts Centre Melbourne, where it is accompanied by Orchestra Victoria. In 2004, the company gave 226 performances in its subscription seasons in Sydney and Melbourne, attended by more than 294,000 people.
The Sydney Town Hall is a late 19th-century heritage-
City hall in Sydney, Australia
The Sydney Town Hall is a late 19th-century heritage-listed town hall building in the city of Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales, Australia, housing the chambers of the Lord Mayor of Sydney, council offices, and venues for meetings and functions. It is located at 483 George Street, in the Sydney central business district opposite the Queen Victoria Building and alongside St Andrew's Cathedral. Sited above the Town Hall station and between the city shopping and entertainment precincts, the steps of the Town Hall are a popular meeting place.
