You can’t think Australia and not think of its most recognizable monument, the Sydney Opera House. The white building has become synonymous with the culture of the continent, along with kangaroos, koalas and surfers. What makes this monument so special, and is it worth a journey inside instead of a notable photograph of its exterior when passing though Sydney?

The Sydney Opera House may have opera in its name, but it is not exclusively dedicated to those types of performances. It’s home to diverse events including music, dance, theater, magic, comedy, education and all forms of art.

Its current lineup of events includes Antidote, a thought-provoking collection on world politics today; The Unbelievables, an extravaganza of circus and magic; Badu Gili, a dazzling water and light show; and Dinner, a hilariously dark comedy show.

The Opera House isn’t all about shows and entertainment; it has created learning experiences and digital classrooms to invest in education and the future of youth. Its website also provides a wealth of resources to learn and explore the history of the Opera House and its events and exhibitions.

It dedicates itself to charity and the spreading of knowledge to Australia and its many visitors. On your next visit to Sydney, take home more than just a pretty picture and experience the Sydney Opera House for yourself.

— Allie Menzione, assistant digital coordinator