The Empire State Building went up in 13.5 months; the Sydney Opera House opened 16 years after its design contest.

1931 · 1973 · apart: 42 years

It was finished ten years late and 1,357% over budget in real terms.

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The event

• Sydney Opera House opens1973 · Sydney. On 20 October 1973 Queen Elizabeth II opened Danish architect Jørn Utzon's building with its sail-like roof shells. It became the symbol of Australia and one of the masterpieces of 20th-century architecture, now a World Heritage Site.

20th century

More amazing facts

• 1930 · 2006 Pluto was named by an 11-year-old Oxford schoolgirl.
• 1930 Since its discovery, Pluto has not yet made it even halfway around the Sun. Its year lasts almost 248 Earth years, so having been found in 1930, it will complete its first observed orbit only around 2178.
• 1930 The queen of crime spent part of every year on archaeological digs.
• 1932 The Emu War was the idea of World War I veterans.
• 1932 LEGO means 'play well' in Danish.
• 1932 The commander of the Emu War admired the enemy.

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