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.
Work had began on the building in 1959 and was completed in 1973 at a cost of $102 million. The official opening was celebrated with fireworks and a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
The first public performance was the month before on 28 September 1973.
The Sydney Opera House stands on Tubowgule land of the Gadigal people.
Source: Sydney Opera House. (2021). A grand opening
Opening of the Sydney Opera House
The Opera House was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen on 20 October 1973. This was followed by a two-week festival of events
Sydney Opera House booklets
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
Sydney Opera House - the 'Red Book'
This 1958 report (known also as the 'Red Book') was presented by Jørn Utzon to the Premier and the Sydney Opera House Committee in order to give … a project which realizes in practical form the vision of the competition
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
Guide to the records
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Fort Macquarie, Bennelong Point
Fort Macquarie was constructed between 1817-1821 and demolished in 1901. The Tram Depot was opened in 1902 and pulled down in 1958 to make way for the building of the Sydney Opera House
![Government Printing Office 2 - 08376 - Opera House Committee at Public Works Building [Department of Local Government; interiors; architects; public servants] [GPO original locations or series - 47927] [11/1/1957]](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2023/06/6c044bb10f784986b9f04aa78dab183a.jpg)
Management of the Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House Trust operates and maintains the Opera House on behalf of the NSW Government
Opening of the Sydney Opera House
The Opera House was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen on 20 October 1973. This was followed by a two-week festival of events
![Government Printing Office 2 - 49270 - Sydney Opera House [Public Works] [GPO original locations or series - St89262] [Jun-73]](https://images.slm.com.au/fotoweb/embed/2023/06/d6a81135238f446c974d7ed335b7ab99.jpg)
Photographs and oral histories of Sydney Opera House
There are many images of the Sydney Opera House in all stages of construction and use in the State Archives Collection.
First Nations
Paving the way ... Harold Blair: The first Aboriginal opera singer
A short documentary that offers a glimpse into the life of Harold Blair, a world-renowned tenor, family man and political campaigner who sought social justice and human rights for Australia’s First Nations people
The People’s House: audio interviews
Hear from former staff, creatives and performers about their most cherished memories of the iconic building