Photographs, news and home movie footage capture the excitement of the opening of the Sydney Opera House on 20 October 1973.

The Sydney Opera House was officially opened on 20 October 1973 – 14 years after construction began.

Sydney Harbour and the Opera House on 20 October 1973.

A still from the documentary production The Fifth Facade, about the opening of the Sydney Opera House. 

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.

Composer Larry Sitsky comments that the opera theatre has many 'liabilities'. Opera director Sam Wanamaker suggests that the space is manageable. 

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

The exterior walls of the Sydney Opera House were inspired by the sails of the pleasure craft on the nearby harbour.

A look back at the 2008 visit to Australia by Pope Benedict XVI through footage from the NFSA News and Current Affairs Program.

 The Ships that Flew, 1974 - Film Australia Collection © NFSA.