By the 1940s, Sydney’s theatres couldn’t keep up with demand. A design competition was launched in 1956, attracting over 200 entries. The winning plan by Danish architect Jørn Utzon stood out with its bold, sail-like design.

Construction began in 1959 and was supposed to take four years. Instead, it stretched across 14 years and required more than 10,000 workers to complete this engineering marvel.

The Opera House was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973. Its first performance was given by Paul Robeson, who famously sang for the workers during construction, dedicating his art to their effort.

The building was completed in four stages: podium, roof shells, interiors, and final detailing. Its soaring sails are covered with over one million glossy, ivory-hued tiles, while vast glass walls flood the interiors with natural light.

Tensions between Utzon and the NSW government forced him to resign mid-project. Architects Peter Hall, David Littlemore, and Lionel Todd stepped in, altering key features such as acoustics, corridors, and facilities.

Though he never returned to see it finished, Utzon was later rehired as a design consultant. The Utzon Room, a dedicated performance space, stands today as a tribute to his vision.

Initially estimated at $7 million, the final bill soared to $102 million. Today, it’s seen not as an overrun, but as the price of creating one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.