The Sydney Opera House is maybe the most recognizable landmark in Sydney and Australia. The building is multi-purpose performing arts center. It was designed and constructed by the Danish architect Jorn Utzon. The building has been a grand success. It was recognized as an architectural masterpiece in 2005 with him receiving the award Pritzker Price. This price is the highest honor in the filed of architecture today.
The idea about building a new opera house in the city was first brought up by the director of the national conservatory. Even back in the 1940s he lobbied for the construction of a new venue to house the performing arts of the city. The Sydney Town Hall was too small for the growing arts of the capital. It was also him that wanted the new building to be located on the         Bannelong Point as a landmark point in the city.
Finally, a design competition was announced in 1955. 233 projects from 32 countries competed. The criteria included a design that can house two halls- one for 3000 people and one for 1200 that can serve different purposes. These spaces were also required to be suited for the conducting of operas, orchestras, concerts, mass meetings, ballets, presentations and lectures. The winner was chosen in 1957. Utzon won a price of 5,000 pounds for his plan. The magnificent construction was finished in 1972 with a final bill of 102 million American dollars.
The Sydney House strikes its spectators with its unique modern expressionist design that features a series of large, precast concrete shells. Each of these pieces represents sections of a sphere which form the roof of the building. This roof stands over a monumental podium. The building spreads over 1.8 hectares of land and has dimensions of 183 meters in length and 120 in width.
If you want to visit this unique landmark you might want to hire a car. Car rental companies that operate in Sydney are Avis, Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Europcar and Redspot.