The People’s House: Sydney Opera House at 50
The People’s House: Sydney Opera House at 50 at the Museum of Sydney celebrates five decades of extraordinary performances and unforgettable moments at the Sydney Opera House. This year, we commemorate 50 incredible years of this architectural marvel that has become Sydney’s great civic space and ‘the people’s house’.
Since its grand opening on 20 October 1973, the Opera House has stood as a beacon of artistic expression, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage. Its iconic silhouette has become a symbol of Sydney, and Australia.
Relive the magic of past performances and events and go behind the scenes to discover the remarkable stories that have shaped the Opera House from its very first year to now. View extraordinary costumes, posters and programs, rare archival records, architectural drawings, photographs and much more.
Explore the Opera House’s architectural details through a playful LEGO® model, test your design skills with our digital drafting table and conduct a virtual orchestra in Maestro, an interactive space where you'll collaborate in the creation of an audiovisual performance.
Artworks include a specially commissioned woven Opera House by master First Nations weavers Steven Russell and Phyllis Stewart that responds to the iconic shellwork of the Opera House created by renowned Bidjigal artist and elder Esme Timbery commissioned by the Opera House in 2002.
In addition to the exhibition at the Museum of Sydney, posters and photographs from 1973 and the early 2000s that reflect the extraordinary variety of local and international productions staged at the Opera House will be on display until 14 February 2024 in the Opera House’s Bennelong Passage and Box Office Lounge.
School holidays: During school holidays children can visit the exhibition and take part in our kids trail. Visit the information desk to pick up your worksheet. Happy exploring!
Free film screenings: Watch a selection of documentaries on the construction and history of the Opera House.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that The People’s House exhibition contains images, voices and names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings and text.
Related events
Past event
The People’s House: Sunday Sessions
This summer, join us at the Museum of Sydney for a fun, creative and captivating series of monthly activations for the whole family
Sunday 14 January 10am–5pm
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Browse allDressing Joan Sutherland
One of the most spectacular costumes on display in the exhibition The People’s House: Sydney Opera House at 50 is an extraordinary Renaissance dress designed by Kristian Fredrikson and worn by Dame Joan Sutherland in the part of the notorious Lucrezia Borgia
A Sepik River mei mask
An eye-catching object in the People’s House: Sydney Opera House at 50 exhibition reveals an unexpected story of the opening ceremonies, of performance, and of international diplomacy
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An exhibition produced by Museums of History NSW in partnership with the Sydney Opera House and in collaboration with design and technology company Art Processors. This project is proudly supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW Blockbusters Funding initiative