13 rare and wonderful photographs of the Sydney Opera House, in celebration of its 50th birthday

“This high-angle view of the casting yard shows the concrete segments for the roof of the Sydney Opera House. Danish architect Jorn Utzon won an international design competition to design the building. This image is originally from the analogue files of the Fox Photos news agency which, though based in London, covered world events. The print may have not made it to wide circulation at the time it was taken but is now published online for the first time and gives us an early glimpse as the mammoth project began.”

“This image shows construction on Bennelong Point, and framed by cranes, and the now iconic design of the Opera House. This photo was newly found from a recent re-edit of our historical files. With over 135 million analogue images making up the archive collections at Getty images Archive bringing new historical content to light is always ongoing.”

“A view as army helicopters and some 2000 yachts add to the celebrations during the historic opening of the Opera House. Construction was expected to take 4 years but took 14 years!”

“Crowds pack the Opera House as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip take a walkabout. The visit was part of the Royal Silver Jubilee tour of the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand, which marked the 25TH anniversary of her accession to the throne. This frame from the Hulton Archive’s Keystone Press agency collection has only just been brought to life.”

“This time Prince Charles and Princess Diana arrive with security at the Opera House, forming part of their Royal Tour of Australia in 1983. This was Diana’s first ever overseas tour, and of course the world's press would be there to document it. This image by royal photographer Jayne Fincher frames the Opera house and Diana together – two icons in one photo.”

“Getty images staff photographer Cameron Spencer captures this mid-air moment as Jake Duncombe of Australia performs an air during the 'Slaughter at the Opera' skateboard competition on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House on March 1, 2008.”

“Each News Year's Eve, the world turns its attention to Sydney and the spectacular display is seen around the world. This frame taken by Getty Images photographer Sam Hussein, captures the light and drama of fireworks bursting over the Harbor Bridge and Opera House, here ushering in a new decade.”

“In March 2010 the Opera House provided a backdrop to more than 5000 people who took part in an art installation by artist Spencer Tunick. Tunick stated that the title of the work, commissioned by the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, refers to the sameness of individuals, regardless of their sexual preferences.”

“The Opera House provides a visually stunning backdrop to celebrate Cathy Freeman’s historic 400m gold medal win at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. A moment lit large, Freeman’s win is considered one of the greatest moments in Australian Olympic History.”

“In 2022 the Concert Hall reopened after two years of extensive renovations, which was part of  the Opera House's Decade of Renewal: a 10-year program of capital works totaling almost $300 million to upgrade Sydney's World Heritage landmark ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2023. The interior of the hall is captured by photographer Lisa Maree Williams.”

“A worker with a head for heights inspects some of the over one million tiles that form the roof of the Opera House. The 'tile tapping' test is conducted every five years to inspect the health of the tiles that cover the iconic sails and takes six weeks to complete.”

“Capturing the start of Sydney WorldPride, this stunning photo made from multiple exposures shows off the illuminations of the Progress Pride Flag as it is projected onto the Opera House.”

“The sails of the Sydney Opera House are illuminated by a projection of artwork by artist Rhonda Sampson on January 26, 2023. Sampson has said of her artwork that it reflects the site of Tubowgule, on which the Opera House sits, and of its history past, present and future”.