Sydney Opera House sleepovers proposed

See a concert, stay the night

Nodding off isn't usually encouraged at the Sydney Opera House, but soon the iconic venue could host regular sleepovers.

The Sydney Opera House Trust is seeking permission to temporarily convert parts of the landmark building in order to welcome overnight guests, the ABC website reports. It's proposing that five times a year, the venue could host two-night stays for small groups of five people. But the trust also envisions a bigger, annual sleepover, where 100 guests could spend a couple of nights under the Opera House's famous roof.

The proposal would allow people to experience the venue in "new and innovative ways", with accommodation including queen-size beds for the smaller groups. Locals are being asked for their views, and have until 24 October to respond.

The Opera House has hosted overnight visitors once before. In June, it held a sleepover as part of a musical performance by composer Max Richter. He performed an eight-hour piece entitled Sleep to more than 150 people - some snoozing, some wide awake - who were accommodated in beds set up in front of the stage.

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