The architect of the Sydney Opera House never saw it finished.

1966 · 1973 · 2008 · apart: 42 years

Jørn Utzon quit in 1966, vowing never to return to Australia, and kept his word: he died in 2008 without ever seeing the completed building.

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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 · 21st century

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