Heritage of Sydney

In New South Wales, Sydney,  an architectural icon is placed, mentioned at the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site. 233 individual suggestions, but the visuals of the mind of Danish Jørn Utzon attracted the most attention. Inspired by the simple act of peeling an orange, but still defined as genius.

But both the engineers and Jørn himself met lots of difficulties, realizing the vision. Constructing parts of one great sphere was not easy – but the solution of one problem only led to another. During the period, Australia had a new government with a new minister, David Huges, with no heart for architecture, design or art in general. The minister refused to pay for finishing the up-coming opera – which had already cost Australia round 23 mio. $. The rebuff made Jørn leave the project and close his office in Australia, to travel back home.

Yet the vision became reality, and was dedicated by the British queen Elisabeth in 1973. Jørn was not a part of the ceremony, and wasn’t mentioned that day either. However some appreciated the work of Jørn Utzon, and in the end, the mind of the founder was needed to re-design the inside furniture. Once more the trip went back to Sydney for the turbulent architect.

In addition to be a sensation in architectural history The Opera House is also the place for new ideas and modernity to bloom. Latest is the 18-day lasting Vivid event; for spectacular light, music and new ideas, part of the program.