Sydney Opera House to Close for Major Renovation

The Sydney Opera House, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened in 1973, will undergo its first structural renovation in 43 years. The project, starting in 2017 and expected to finish by 2020, will cost 202 million Australian dollars (about 140 million euros). It focuses on improving the concert hall's acoustics, accessibility, efficiency, and flexibility. The iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, which attracts 8.2 million visitors annually and generates 775 million Australian dollars in revenue, will close its music and theater spaces for only 18 months. A new center for children and families will also be created.