Unique Sydney Opera House history explained as new museum exhibit opens

Sydney would have a low-rise horizon, the harbour rimmed in red-brick housing, when the Opera House would be opened by Queen Elizabeth II in October 1973.

But even before that moment, the building at Bennelong Point has been close to the affections of Sydneysiders.

It would take close to 15 years from its first proposition to the final pull on the opening plaque lanyard for the Opera House to be realised.

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"Even before it was opened, while it's still being built, you start to see the image of the Opera House appearing on international tourism posters," says Scott Hill, curator of a new exhibit at the Museum of Sydney called "The People's House: Sydney Opera House at 50".

As it grew on the harbour, its unique sails taking shape, the political angst over its construction would ebb away as the scaffold was removed, the new white shells gifted the nickname of the "Nuns in a Scrum".

Belying its formal title, there would be a kaleidoscope of differing culture that would be presented from its stages.

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Along with what are called the high arts such as theatre and orchestras, that first year of performance would also feature artists as varied as Kamahl and the Bee Gees, along with Les Girls, then one of the raunchiest shows from Kings Cross.

But the Opera House soon created its own wave of kitsch and ephemera, from teaspoons and tea towels, snow globes and key rings, Wedgewood and ashtrays.

"It's the way that people bring the Opera House back home with them, and it becomes a part of their everyday lives," says Scott.

Jade McKellar is chief customer officer at the Opera House.

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"I think what makes the Opera House so special," she says, her elbow propped on a pillow printed with its image, "is that combination of the experience, or what you're seeing at the Opera House, with the place, and the building, and the magic in that architecture."

Scott says another important ingredient to the world falling in love with the building, is its location harbourside.

"Out on the promontory, I think is the key to its success."

The exhibit, at the Museum of Sydney in Bridge Street, opens this weekend.

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