On This Day: The day the Queen opened an icon

The Queen was there, Sydney Harbour was packed with boats and millions watched on television: 53 years ago today, Australia celebrated the opening of a building that would become famous around the world.

On October 20, 1973, Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Prince Philip, officially opened the Sydney Opera House.

For Australians who remember that Saturday afternoon, it was quite a spectacle.

Crowds lined the harbour, boats gathered on the water and fireworks lit the sky. The ceremony featured marching bands, music and a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

After years of arguments, construction delays and soaring costs, the extraordinary white sails at Bennelong Point were finally ready to welcome the world.

From controversy to national treasure

The Opera House had been designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, whose ambitious vision was selected in an international competition in 1957.

Construction began in 1959, but disagreements over the design, budget and building process eventually led to Utzon’s resignation in 1966.

He wasn’t present at the official opening.

The final bill reached $102 million, far beyond the original estimate. Yet few Australians today could imagine Sydney without those famous sails.

The Opera House became a place for unforgettable performances, school excursions, family holidays and photographs that would find their way into albums across the country.

And for those who watched the Queen declare it open in 1973, it was a moment when Australia seemed to be showing the world something extraordinary.

The wedding that surprised the world

On October 20, 1968, former American First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis on his private island of Skorpios.

Five years after the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy, the marriage made international headlines.

Jackie was 39 and Onassis was 62. Their wedding attracted intense media attention, although the couple had hoped for a private ceremony.

Born on this day

American rock legend Tom Petty was born on October 20, 1950, and would have turned 76 today.

With his band the Heartbreakers, he gave us American Girl, Refugee and I Won’t Back Down. His solo hits included Free Fallin’, while his time with the Traveling Wilburys brought him together with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne.

Petty died in 2017, aged 66.

Actor Viggo Mortensen, best known as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings films, turns 68 today.

Do you remember? Did you watch the Queen open the Sydney Opera House in 1973? Or do you remember your first visit to see those magnificent sails up close?