This AIB provides a brief overview of the major sources held by State Records that relate to the planning, construction and opening of the Opera House. It is intended for use in conjunction with Archives in Brief 28.
Other records may identified in Archives Investigator. Researchers should consult the Register of Access Directions to confirm the public availability of records. State Records' staff can advise you on the availability of records if they are not listed on the register.
A select list of sources
Department of Public Works and Services
| Title | Series | Copy |
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Photographs taken by Max Dupain showing the various stages of construction of the Sydney Opera House, c.1959-73 | ||
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Department of Public Works Sydney Opera House Files, c.1962-75 | ||
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These files consist of correspondence, minutes, reports, accounts and publications. | ||
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'An International Competition for a National Opera House at Bennelong Point, Sydney, New South Wales Australia: Conditions and Programme', 1955 | ||
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This booklet is known as the Brown Book. All copies have annotations. | ||
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Negatives of Competition drawings, 1958 | ||
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'Sydney Opera House', 2 Mar 1959 | ||
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This printed booklet, known as the Gold Book, was issued to accompany the 'Ceremony to Commemorate the Commencement of the Sydney Opera House'. | ||
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'Sydney National Opera House', Mar 1958 | ||
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This report, known as the Red Book, was presented by Jørn Utzon to the Premier and the Opera House Committee. | ||
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'Sydney Opera House', Jan 1962 | ||
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This report, known as the Yellow Book, comprises plans submitted by Jørn Utzon and consultants. | ||
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'Sydney Opera House: Chronological Report on Planning and Design', 2 Oct 1964 | ||
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This typescript gives brief comments on progress of various aspects of design including glass walls, stage lighting and electrical services. | ||
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Sydney National Opera House: Structural Scheme Stage II, 1962 | ||
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These are copies of plans drawn up by Ove Arup Partners for roof elevations and internal contours of the shells for the minor and major halls. | ||
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First designs by Hall, Todd and Littlemore |
Reel 2559 | |
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These detailed drawings, known as the White Book, are of the Concert Hall and Opera Theatre by Hall, Todd and Littlemore. | ||
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Competition drawings submitted by Jørn Utzon to the Opera House Committee, 1956 | ||
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These are the original competition drawings for which Jørn was awarded first prize of ₤5,000. | ||
Parliamentary papers and press statements
| Title | Series | Copy |
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Parliamentary papers relating to the Sydney Opera House | ||
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These are mainly Parliamentary Debates. | ||
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Opera House press statements, 1962-66 | ||
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These press statements relate to the construction of the Sydney Opera House between August 1962 and December 1966. | ||
Sydney Opera House Official Opening Committee
| Title | Series | Copy |
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Correspondence files, 1972-73 | ||
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The files comprise minutes of meetings of the Committee, applications for invitations, guest lists, printed information sheets and correspondence. | ||
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Sydney Opera House Official Opening and Festival: Final Report, 20 Oct-3 Nov 1973 | ||
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Newspaper cuttings, 17 Jan 1972-9 Nov 1973 | ||
Other records
For further sources researchers should also consult Archives Investigator using Simple Search option for the term 'Opera House'. For records of the following agencies, select Advanced Search - Agency:
No. 5153, Premiers Department
No. 47, Architectural Division, Department of Public Works
No. 404, Ministry of Cultural Activities
No. 1736, Directorate of Special Bicentennial..
© State of New South Wales through the State Records Authority, 2003.
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