Dissecting Geometry Visual arts and STEAM workshop
Term 1 - 4
Primary - High School: Stage 3 – 5, Years 5 – 10
Learning areas: Mathematics, Design and Technology, STEAM
Using the Sydney Opera House building as a catalyst for learning, in this hands-on workshop students create abstracted architectural models and drawings that explore the architecture and geometry of our UNESCO world heritage listed building.
| Term | Date | Time |
| Term 1 | Tuesday 1 April 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 1 | Wednesday 2 April 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 1 | Thursday 3 April 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 3 | Tuesday 16 September 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 3 | Wednesday 17 September 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 3 | Thursday 18 September 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 11 November 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 4 | Wednesday 12 November 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 4 | Thursday 13 November 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 students | $375 |
| 25 - 45 students | $675 |
Minimum group rates may apply for classes with less than 25 students. Ratio required for supervision is one teacher per 15 students.
The only authorised ticket agency for this event is the Sydney Opera House. For more information about Authorised Agencies, see the frequently asked questions below.
Arts Assist: The Arts Assist ticket and travel subsidy program provides the full cost of the Creative Learning program ticket and $5 per student toward travel costs. Find out more about Arts Assist.
- Audio loop available
- No language barrier
We cater to students of all needs and will make every effort to accommodate any special requirements or access adjustments your students may have. All of our venues are wheelchair accessible with dedicated wheelchair positions and companion seats. Please let us know on the booking form how we can assist in making your excursion as enjoyable as possible and we will be in touch. Alternatively, you may call Creative Learning on +61 2 9250 7770 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST) or email creativelearning@sydneyoperahouse.com.
Social Story: A social story provides information about what to expect when attending a venue or show. It has short descriptions with images. Download the Centre for Creativity Social Story (PDF).
Find out more about accessibility at Sydney Opera House.
This workshop is held in the Centre for Creativity.
Run time: This program runs for approximately 90 minutes. Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Materials: All materials for this workshop will be provided.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Download our Child Safety Policy (PDF).
Student commentI draw to see things from a new perspective.
Useful information:
Exploring mathematics through visual arts
Utilising the charismatic and thought-provoking Eddie Woo Maths at the Sydney Opera House videos, students learn about architecture, perspective, geometry and Jørn Utzon’s ‘Spherical Solution’ to gain an understanding of the mechanics, engineering and sheer creativity involved in constructing the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Students develop a series of drawings through observing the structure of the building, and work with archival photographs and objects to dissect the mathematical patterns, additive and pre-fabricated elements of the building to create new or alternative versions of the Sydney Opera House. From here, students use installation and sculptural processes to enlarge, distort, emphasise and recreate aspects of the building from different perspectives.
In this workshop, students:
- Create a series of observational sketches, collaborative three-dimensional drawings and small sculptural models that replicate the geometry of the Sydney Opera House.
- Work with peers to distort and abstract patterns and structures of the Opera House to create new imagined versions of the Sydney Opera House and surrounding buildings.
- Develop an understanding of the Utzon Design Principles, in particular Utzon's use of additive architecture, counter balance, sculpture and form.
- Interrogate historic and contemporary maps, photographs, drawings and models of the Sydney Opera House and consider how architects, engineers and builders collaborated and problem solved to create the building seen today.
Developed by Sarah Fitzgerald in collaboration with the Creative Learning Team at the Sydney Opera House
Thank you to The Greatorex Fund for enabling the development of STEAM creative learning programs in the Centre for Creativity
Sydney Opera House recognises the work of educator Eddie Woo in developing and delivering mathematics teaching and learning strategies specific to the Sydney Opera House that have informed the outcomes and activities for this Creative Learning Module
Gallery
Photo credit: Teniola Komolafe
Gallery
Plan your visit
Venue information
Please ensure that your group arrives at the venue 30 minutes prior to the performance start time. Latecomers may only be admitted to a performance during a suitable break, and in some cases, may be excluded. Please call the Creative Learning team on 02 9250 7770 to notify us if you are running late.
Your safety and security is paramount to us during your visit to the Opera House. Therefore, all items larger than the dimensions of a standard A4 piece of paper must be checked in to the cloakroom. As they have limited space, we ask that teachers and students do not bring large bags/backpacks to the performance. Some bag trolleys may be available for your school in the Western Foyers. Please ensure that any prohibited items are left at home (e.g. scissors).
Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch and snacks, however you’ll find food and drinks outlets on the lower level of the concourse.
Please note food and drink are permitted inside the foyers, but only bottled water in the venues.
We recommend that students take their meal breaks on the Monumental Steps/Forecourt or in the Botanic Gardens immediately adjacent the SOH precinct. In inclement weather, there is ample room to take breaks underneath the Monumental Steps. In situations of particularly poor weather, breaks can be had in the Western Foyer. We ask that you please limit this to an as needed basis to avoid foyer congestion for other members of the General Public. There are several food and beverage options on site, as well as food and beverage options close by in Circular Quay.
Getting here
We are a 15-minute walk from Circular Quay, the closest station for public transport via train, bus and ferry. To view timetable information and ensure your public transport needs can be met, please check the Transport NSW website.
Buses and coaches can’t park onsite at Sydney Opera House. Large buses must disembark passengers on Macquarie Street in the allocated drop off zone. Please contact City of Sydney to confirm bus and coach set down areas. We recommend allowing an additional 10 minutes for walking from Macquarie Street.
Frequently asked questions
Please ensure that your group arrives at the venue 30 minutes prior to the performance start time.
If you are late, we will seat you as soon as possible, but please be aware that some events have lock out periods where late comers cannot be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Occasionally this is not until the interval, and in some instances late comers won’t be admitted at all.
Yes, use this information to prepare a risk assessment and risk management plan. Teachers undertaking a risk assessment and risk management plan should be aware that Sydney Opera House cannot complete the risk assessment for them.
Food and drink are permitted inside the foyers, but not in the venues.
Please contact our Creative Learning Ticketing Specialists on 02 9250 7770 as soon as possible to advise if your group can no longer attend.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.
The Opera House has also developed a Child-friendly Code of Conduct to engage with our youngest visitors.
Excursions at the Opera House
A Day Out at the House
Offer your students to an unforgettable day out at the Sydney Opera House with our new curated program. Students can attend a Creative Learning Performance or Workshop onsite accompanied by a Walking Tour of our internationally renowned performing arts centre, all in time to back by the final school bell.
Arts Assist
Does your School need financial assistance to attend a Sydney Opera House excursion?
Schools Tour
Filled with stories that demonstrate the power of creativity, students join a guided tour to learn how architect Jørn Utzon created a sculpture on Sydney Harbour that changed the course of 20th century architecture.
