Four thousand people crammed the forecourt to watch the Sydney Symphony Orchestra perform Beethoven Symphony No. 9 - the classical piece which opened the venue 40 years ago - along with the Sydney Philharmonia choir and Opera Australia soloists.
Chef Matt Moran marked the occasion by unveiling an enormous cupcake, while Jimmy Barnes led a rousing happy birthday singalong.
Its hard to believe that in 1966 the Opera House was embroiled in scandal.
As well as a cost blowout, the criticism of the structure was so harsh, architect Jorn Utzon submit his resignation as designer of the Opera House - yet it went on to land a world heritage listing in 2007.
Utzon never returned to see his masterpiece, dying at 90 years of age, but yesterday his mother and son attended it's anniversary to see a commemorative flotilla, the Royal Australian Navy Band, Australian Girls Choir and Surf Life Saving NSW.
Some of the world's biggest names have taken to its many stages, among them Joan Sutherland, Oprah Winfrey, Hugh Jackman, Luciano Pavarotti and Sammy Davis Jr.
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