Sydney Opera House Reveals Designs for $202 Million Renovation

The Sydney Opera House has announced a $202 million renovation project, the largest upgrade program since it opened in 1973.

The Sydney Opera House has been home to thousands of inspiring performances over more than 40 years. But the star turn remains the building itself.

Check out a first look at the designs below!

The Gadigal knew the land on which the Opera House now stands as Tubowgule - 'where the knowledge waters meet' - a reference to the magical energy created where the fresh and salt streams collide.

That energy is built into the fabric of Jørn Utzon's World Heritage-listed 'masterpiece of human creative genius' and into the magic that infuses it every day.

More than 1.5 million people see over 2000 performances each year. Another 400,000 take a tour to see first-hand how the magic happens. Millions more visit award-winning restaurants and bars, or take a digital tour, attend a digital classroom or experience a livestream.

Since opening its doors in 1973, the Opera House has become the symbol of modern Australia and the country's premier tourist destination, with an iconic or national-identity value that Deloitte Access Economics has estimated at $4.6 billion.

Now, this wonder of 20th century architecture needs to be renewed for the 21st century.

The first stage of Opera House Renewal comprises a series of projects that will replace technology and machinery that has reached the end of its working life, open new areas to the public and ensure the Opera House is properly equipped to welcome as many people in as many ways as possible.

The projects enabled by a $202 million commitment from the NSW Government include:

• Concert Hall upgrades to improve acoustics, accessibility, stage and backstage areas, and replace worn-out theatre systems. It is the most significant work undertaken in the Concert Hall since the Opera House opened;

• A new Creative Learning Centre will provide children and young people with a dedicated space to experiment and learn in a building that embodies creativity and innovation.

• Entry and Foyers upgrades will transform the area under the Monumental Steps, which Utzon envisioned as another foyer, into a vibrant, welcoming, car-free entrance and meeting place. It will also upgrade the main box office foyer, adding seating, improving accessibility and streamlining functions.

• A new Function Centre worthy of the Opera House will be created within the building envelope to celebrate significant events and mark important occasions - from weddings and intimate gatherings to corporate and government events.

Together with the Theatre Machinery Project in the Joan Sutherland Theatre, which was announced last year and which the Opera House is funding itself, these projects constitute the first stage of Renewal - the biggest upgrade to the Opera House since it opened.

The Opera House will continue to operate throughout these staged, prioritised Renewal works, although some areas will need to be temporarily closed.

All works will be carried out with the upmost respect for this World Heritage-listed building and are being designed in accordance with the principles drawn up by Jørn Utzon in 2002. We want to respect and make the most of this precious asset for the people of Australia.

We invite you to explore the working designs for the Stage 1 projects and discover how Renewal will ensure the Opera House continues to live, in Utzon's words, "at The Edge of the possible".

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