Samsung Extends Sydney Opera House Partnership

A virtual-reality experience that allows visitors to climb the sails of the Sydney Opera House via an immersive, 360-degree video is part of the South Korean electronics company Samsung’s upcoming technology and innovation plans for the iconic venue.

Photo: Rob Griffith/AP Photo

Lights up during New Year’s celebrations in Australia to ring in 2013.

Samsung extended its principal partnership with the Opera House for a further five years, and will set up a technology space in the box office foyer for the 8.2 million who annually visit the precinct. It will include interactive displays of the building’s history and future plans. Samsung has worked closely with the 43-year-old venue since it launched its “Decade Of Renewal” in 2013 as part of its 40th anniversary.

Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron said it was important “to ensure the World Heritage-listed “masterpiece of human creative genius” continues to inspire new generations of 21st century audiences, visitors and artists. Samsung’s partnership extension came as the New South Wales government announced its upcoming budget will deliver the first A$12 million ($8.96 million) of the Opera House’s A$202 million ($150.9 million) renewal plans.