Q 01/05

Which Danish architect designed the Sydney Opera House?

A) Henning Larsen

B) Arne Jacobsen

C) Bjarke Ingels

D) Jørn Utzon

Answer · why

D) Jørn Utzon

He won the design competition in 1957 but resigned in 1966 and did not come back to Australia to see it finished.

Q 02/05

Who formally opened the Sydney Opera House on 20 October 1973?

A) Sir John Kerr GCMG

B) Gough Whitlam

C) Queen Elizabeth II

D) Prince Charles

Answer · why

C) Queen Elizabeth II

The televised opening included fireworks and Beethoven's Ninth; the architect declined his invitation to avoid overshadowing the event.

Q 03/05

How many years passed between the architect's competition win and the building's formal opening?

A) 25

B) 18

C) 16

D) 20

Answer · why

C) 16

The original 1957 estimate promised completion on Australia Day 1963.

Q 04/05

On which headland of Sydney Harbour does the Opera House stand?

A) Bennelong Point

B) Mrs Macquarie's Point

C) Dawes Point

D) Kirribilli Point

Answer · why

A) Bennelong Point

It sits between Sydney Cove and Farm Cove, next to the Royal Botanic Garden and within sight of the Harbour Bridge.

Q 05/05

What is the Opera House site called by the local Gadigal people of the Eora nation?

A) Tubowgule

B) Warrane

C) Kurraba-Kurraba

D) Dubbagullee

Answer · why

D) Dubbagullee

The point was once a small tidal island called Tubowgule before being joined to the mainland with fill in 1818–21.