Over this weekend, the Sydney Opera House is welcoming thousands of visitors behind-the-scenes for its first open day in eight years, coinciding with the building’s 50th birthday.
The event was officially opened by the NSW Minister for the Arts Hon. John Graham MLC and Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM, who accompanied the first tour group to explore and experience the magic of one of the world’s most celebrated buildings.
The festivities kicked-off last night – 50 years to the day since the Opera House opened – with a stunning audio-visual laser show by visionary artist Robin Fox, using high-powered beams to trace the geometry and architecture of the World-Heritage listed building and its famous sails. The spectacular three-night display and accompanying soundscape was commissioned specially for the 50th anniversary.
Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM said: “It’s a real joy to be throwing the doors open this weekend so that thousands of people can enjoy the magic of this building – both behind the scenes and in its many venues. Over the past year, more than 850,000 people have already participated in our 50th celebrations. Many are new audiences to the Opera House. I am thrilled we’ve been able to bring so many people together to celebrate this moment, perfectly in line with our ambition to be Everyone’s House.”
The Opera House’s 50th Birthday Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through the Create NSW Blockbusters Funding initiative.
Featured image : Bindi Bosses at the Sydney Opera House. Pic Daniel Boud