Sydney Opera House drawings

Jørn Utzon competition drawings

These are the original competition drawings for which the assessors of the Committee awarded Jørn Utzon first prize of £5,000 on 29 January 1957. As a result Mr Utzon was commissioned by the Government of New South Wales to do final drawings for the Opera House, and to supervise its construction.

The design competition attracted 233 entries from around the world. Construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1973.

View all the drawings (NRS 12825) in the State Archives catalogue

Sydney Opera House booklets

Yellow book, 1962

Sydney Opera House - the Yellow Book

This 1962 report (commonly known as the Yellow Book) comprises plans submitted by Jørn Utzon and consultants

Sydney Opera House - the Gold Book

The printed booklet, commonly known as the “Gold Book”, was issued to accompany the “Ceremony to Commemorate the Commencement of the Sydney Opera House” on 2 March 1959

Brown book, 1955

Sydney Opera House - the Brown Book

Conditions and Programme for an International Competition for a National Opera House at Bennelong Point, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

https://www.records.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/juicebox_square_thumbnail/public/Galleries/Sydney%20Opera%20House/12708_00004.jpg?itok=nuDilYgu

Sydney Opera House guide

A brief history of the Sydney Opera House plus a select list of records relating to the design, construction and official opening

2 Mar 1959 - Sydney Opera House construction began

On this Day work officially began on Stage 1 of the Sydney Opera House

https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/nswsa-content/images/12707_00050.jpg

20 Oct 1973 - Sydney Opera House officially opened

On this day 20 October 1973 the Sydney Opera House was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II