Birthday celebrations for the Opera House in 2013 – celebrating 40 years since the opening of this beloved icon.

An excerpt from the Film Australia Collection's The Fifth Facade. The title is a reference to the roof, which is the building’s most distinctive feature.

Before construction began on the Opera House in 1959 it was the site of the disused Fort Macquarie Tram Depot.

This Cinesound Review newsreel details the competition for the architectural design of the Sydney Opera House in 1957.

In 1972 the Sydney Opera House was in the final stages of construction. With the external structure all but complete, this film focuses on the internal fit-out.

Accompanied by a chamber orchestra the Sydney Opera House is shown from many angles both inside and out.

The charismatic architect of the Sydney Opera House, Jørn Utzon, is initially enthusiastic about undertaking the construction of Australia’s most famous building.