Sydney Opera House to reopen a number of venues and spaces

October 15, 2020

Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Safety / Venues /

Following the welcomed news that theatres can move to 50% capacity, the Sydney Opera House has advised that it is reopening a number of venues and spaces from 29th October, offering a line-up of live events to entertain and inspire, together with award-winning digital programming.

Sydney Opera House Chief Executive, Louise Herron notes “It is wonderful to see COVID-19 restrictions easing in NSW, much-loved theatres beginning to reopen, and the artistic and cultural community re-emerging from the significant and far-reaching challenges of 2020.

“Since March, we have been maintaining a vital connection between artists and audiences through our digital program From Our House to Yours, with close to six million views and listens of free on-demand content to date.

“In September, we reopened our harbourside restaurants Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen, a first step in safely welcoming the public back.”

“As well as the return of Antidote – our annual festival of action, ideas and change – we will be presenting an inspiring and diverse calendar of First Nations culture and storytelling, comedy, jazz, kids shows and independent local artists, curated by Sydney Opera House Presents.

“Our resident companies will also make a welcome return when the Sydney Theatre Company opens Rules for Living in the Drama Theatre next month.”

For the first time, the Opera House and the award-winning Bennelong restaurant will offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy the finest food and wine, with performances by musicians including from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

On-site guided tours will also resume from 5th November, including a new digital immersive experience of the Concert Hall, making it the perfect time for Sydneysiders to explore everything that's on offer.

The annual First Nations dance competition Dance Rites will return in November as a digital festival, showcasing and celebrating the richness and diversity of First Nations dance and songlines. More information about the national competition will be announced soon.

The Sydney Opera House and its food and beverage venues are registered as COVIDSafe businesses with the NSW Government.

To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone, the Sydney Opera House team have made some operational changes including the introduction of the following new measures:

Patron check-in and contact information collection
Reduced venue capacities (50%) and physically-distanced theatre seating (a minimum of one empty seat between groups).
Regular cleaning of high-traffic and high-touch areas with hospital-grade disinfectant.
Hand sanitiser stations in all paths of travel, frequently accessed areas and near bathroom facilities.
COVID-19 safety training for all operational, frontline and contract staff, as well as on-site COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshals.
Face masks are strongly recommended at performances.

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