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The Sydney Opera House Trivia Quiz

Ten questions based on this unique Australian landmark.

A multiple-choice quiz by mandamoo. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
mandamoo

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
267,167

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
566

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Who was the architect of this rather unusual looking building? Hint

Eugene Goossens

Hans van Steenwinckel

Ove Arup

Jorn Utzon

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Question 2 of 10

2. How many tiles cover the 'sails' of the Opera House structure? Hint

1.266 million

1.056 million

1.512 million

3.000 million

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Question 3 of 10

3. Can you name the point on which the Opera House stands? Hint

Blues Point

Bennelong Point

Milsons Point

McMahons Point

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Question 4 of 10

4. Consisting of various sized venues, which one is the largest in terms of seating capacity? Hint

Playhouse

Opera Theatre

Concert Hall

Drama Theatre

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Question 5 of 10

5. When was the Opera House officially opened? Hint

1973

1975

1969

1970

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Question 6 of 10

6. The Opera House was used for performances prior to its official opening.

True

False

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Question 7 of 10

7. What honour was bestowed upon the building in 2007? Hint

It was named as the new Seventh Wonder of the Modern World

It was awarded World Heritage status

It won the Mike Brady award for excellence in outstanding architectural design

It received the honour of becoming the new official home to the Bolshoi Ballet

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Question 8 of 10

8. The Sydney Opera House is home to the world's largest pipe organ.

True

False

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Question 9 of 10

9. What was the final cost in the construction the Opera House? Hint

$102 million

$120 million

$95 million

$112 million

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Question 10 of 10

10. How was the Opera House paid for? Hint

Other less notable landmarks were sold to finance it

We are still paying for it

The money was borrowed from America

Through a lottery ticket system

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Who was the architect of this rather unusual looking building?

Answer: Jorn Utzon

Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, it is meant to represent a ship at full sail to fit in with its setting on Sydney Harbour (though a friend of mine insists it resembles broken eggshells - well, he is from Queensland.. ;)). Eugene Goossens was a conductor and a composer.

He was also the director of the Conservatorium of Music in the late 1940's and mid 50's and instrumental in getting the idea for the Opera House off the ground. Ove Arup was head of the engineering firm responsible for the construction of the Opera House and Hans van Steenwinckel was a Danish architect from the 17th century.

2. How many tiles cover the 'sails' of the Opera House structure?

Answer: 1.056 million

The Opera House sails are covered in approximately 1.056 million tiles. Imagine having the job of cleaning the mould off the grout between all of those!

3. Can you name the point on which the Opera House stands?

Answer: Bennelong Point

The Opera House stands loud and proud on Bennelong Point. It originally housed Fort Macquarie, designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, to protect the foreshores of Sydney Harbour. Around 1901, the Fort was demolished to make way for a Tram depot, which remained there until the late 1950's when construction began on the Opera House.

4. Consisting of various sized venues, which one is the largest in terms of seating capacity?

Answer: Concert Hall

The Concert Hall is by far the largest venue in the Opera House with a seating capacity for approximately 2,679 patrons. The Opera Theatre has a seating capacity for 1,507, the Drama Theatre, 544, and the Playhouse has an intimate seating arrangement for around 398 patrons.

5. When was the Opera House officially opened?

Answer: 1973

The Sydney Opera House was officially opened on 20th October, 1973, by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

6. The Opera House was used for performances prior to its official opening.

Answer: True

Prior to its official opening, two performances had already taken place, one in the Opera Theatre and the other, in the Concert Hall. Also, during construction, a number of concerts were put on for the enjoyment of the tradesmen who were working on the site.

7. What honour was bestowed upon the building in 2007?

Answer: It was awarded World Heritage status

The Sydney Opera House was World Heritage listed by UNESCO in 2007. It takes its place alongside other Australian icons such as The Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park and the Tasmanian Wilderness, just to name a few, gaining recognition under the cultural criteria of the award.

8. The Sydney Opera House is home to the world's largest pipe organ.

Answer: True

The Grand Organ is located in the Concert Hall and is the largest pipe organ in the world, boasting over 10,000 pipes. It is 16 metres high and 13 metres wide and can also be played remotely by way of an electronic console.

9. What was the final cost in the construction the Opera House?

Answer: $102 million

The building cost approximately $102 million to build and took around 11 years, 6 of those were for the interior section alone.

10. How was the Opera House paid for?

Answer: Through a lottery ticket system

The Opera House' construction was funded by the proceeds of a special "Opera House Lottery", which ran from 1958, right up until 1975, when the structure was finally paid for.

Source: Author mandamoo

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor TabbyTom before going online.
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