Decade of Renewal

News, videos and features about the Opera House's ten-year Renewal program

Renewing an icon

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Find out more about the biggest upgrade in Opera House history and how more than $275 million of works are transforming this world-famous icon for the 21st century.

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New visitor experience at the Opera House receives Highly Commended Award

In February 2020, we closed our Concert Hall to commence major construction works as part of our Decade of Renewal.

To continue giving audiences a taste of the Concert Hall, each onsite Opera House tour now begins with a new immersive experience, which takes place inside a purpose-built venue, fitted out with state-of-the-art technology, 270-degree visuals and surround sound, as well as heritage-inspired interiors. In this newly opened space, guests can watch unforgettable moments from past Concert Hall performances and learn about the renewal of the world-famous venue.

We’re proud to announce that this project received a Highly Commended award at the National Trust Awards in the Education and Interpretation Category.

New exhibit telling the Concert Hall story

A stunning collection of drawings, renders and photos relieving historic Concert Hall moments is currently on display at the Opera House, for everyone to enjoy. The new exhibition, located in the Bennelong Passage in the Western Foyer, will give members of the public the opportunity to explore the stories behind the world-famous Concert Hall as it undergoes major renovations. Visitors will also be able to learn more about architect Peter Hall, who was responsible for completing the interior design of the Concert Hall following Utzon’s departure. Check out some of the images in the exhibit here or see it in person the next time you visit the Opera House.

Image gallery: Concert Hall renewal stage demolition and build

As part of major renovations currently underway to transform the Opera House Concert Hall for the 21st century, the team has been busy carrying out construction work on the Concert Hall stage. This gallery documents the demolition of the stage and the concrete being poured, making way for new automated stage risers that will improve sightlines for audiences.

Image gallery: Concert Hall lift and passageway upgrades

We are proud to announce that the Opera House received three accolades at the 26^th annual National Trust Heritage Awards. A highly-anticipated event, the Awards celebrate excellence in conservation, education, interpretation, advocacy and events, and promote greater appreciation and understanding of heritage.

Time-lapse of key project milestones since Concert Hall closure

Watch this incredible time-lapse footage of the renovation work that has taken place inside the Concert Hall since its temporary closure in January 2020, as the world-famous venue is transformed for the 21st century. The vision captures key project milestones so far, including the acoustics clouds – known as the ‘doughnuts’ – being winched down, the removal of the chairs, the build of the birdcage scaffold, the demolition and resurrection of the stage, and the installation of automated stage risers, which will improve sightlines and enable musicians to hear each other more clearly.

Opera House wins accolades for heritage conservation

We are proud to announce that the Opera House received three accolades at the 26^th annual National Trust Heritage Awards. A highly-anticipated event, the Awards celebrate excellence in conservation, education, interpretation, advocacy and events, and promote greater appreciation and understanding of heritage.

Concert Hall stage demolition

Watch this incredible time lapse of the Concert Hall stage being demolished to make way for renewal upgrades that will improve sightlines, backstage access and the experience for performers and audiences.

Preserving the Grand Organ

Find out how we’re taking care of the Grand Organ during Concert Hall renewal.

Image gallery: Concert Hall Renewal

Take a look behind the doors of the Concert Hall to see how renewal works are progressing inside the famous venue.

The new reflectors and drapes are put to the test.

Ever wondered what happens in the wings, behind-the-scenes, up in the lights?

The curtain rises on $71 million-dollar upgrades.

Host of the wildly popular Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud is no stranger to ambitious architectural projects.

Planning approvals

View the Opera House’s Concert Hall Renewal Approvals.

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Sydney Opera House

Decade of Renewal

News, videos and features about the Opera House's ten-year Renewal program

Renewing an icon

Interactive story

New visitor experience at the Opera House receives Highly Commended Award

New exhibit telling the Concert Hall story

Image gallery: Concert Hall renewal stage demolition and build

Image gallery: Concert Hall lift and passageway upgrades

Time-lapse of key project milestones since Concert Hall closure

Opera House wins accolades for heritage conservation

Concert Hall stage demolition

Preserving the Grand Organ

Image gallery: Concert Hall Renewal

Work begins to transform Concert Hall for new era

Watch the Sydney Symphony's final performance of 2019

Tempo primo

A new passageway improves access to the Joan Sutherland Theatre

Joan Sutherland Theatre passageway and lift wins UNESCO Award

Opera House reaches next major Renewal milestone with opening of Yallamundi Rooms

Work begins to transform Concert Hall

The work that makes magic

A grand design

Brilliant sound

Fine-tuning the acoustics of the Joan Sutherland Theatre

Restoring the Coburn Tapestries

Planning approvals

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Decade of Renewal

News, videos and features about the Opera House's ten-year Renewal program

Interactive story

Concert Hall Works Time-Lapse

Concert Hall stage demolition

Planning approvals