<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> References </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Coordinates </Td> </Tr> <P> The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia . It is one of the 20th century's most famous and distinctive buildings . </P> <P> Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the building was formally opened on 20 October 1973 after a gestation beginning with Utzon's 1957 selection as winner of an international design competition . The government of New South Wales, led by the premier, Joseph Cahill, authorised work to begin in 1958 with Utzon directing construction . The government's decision to build Utzon's design is often overshadowed by circumstances that followed, including cost and scheduling overruns as well as the architect's ultimate resignation . </P>

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