Sydney - Visitors could soon have the chance to take part in “sleepovers” at Sydney's iconic Opera House if a proposal to let guests stay inside different theatres and halls is successful.
“The Opera House hopes to join other cultural institutions and performing arts centres ... in offering an overnight experience,” a spokesman said in an email statement.
The Opera House, Australia's top tourist attraction, has lodged the plan with the New South Wales government. They are also asking the public to have a say.
According to the plan, two nights accommodation would be offered for 100 guests once a year, as well a two-night stay for five separate guests on five different occasions each year.
Guests could stay in one of six locations: the Board Room, Utzon Room, Joan Sutherland Theatre Northern Foyers, Joan Sutherland Theatre Southern Foyer, and the two foyers of the Concert Hall.
“As we renew the Opera House for future generations, we are constantly considering new ways for people to experience and understand this masterpiece from the inside out ... we are constantly evolving the breadth and depth of experiences we offer,” he said.
Earlier this year, during the Vivid art festival, an audience of more than 150 people were allowed to participate in an eight-hour-long live overnight performance of “Sleep” in one of the theatres.
Last month the Opera House announced plans to carry out a $150-million renovation over six years, starting next year.
A photo posted by Sydney Opera House (@sydneyoperahouse) on Aug 24, 2016 at 12:55am PDT
Each year, about 8.2 million people visit the Opera House, a Unesco-listed World Heritage site, making it Australia's most-visited landmark.
The Opera House opened in 1973. It contributes more than 775 million Australian dollars annually to the New South Wales state economy.
DPA