An image circulating on social media claims to show the underground structure of the Sydney Opera House, leading many users to believe it is an authentic representation of the famous Australian landmark. However, our thorough investigation has revealed that this claim is false.
SOCIAL MEDIA CLAIM
An image of the underground structure of the Sydney Opera House has been widely shared on social media since last month, with claims that it represents the real underground architecture of this iconic Australian landmark.
After its circulation on Facebook, the image attracted enormous attention from social media users, many of whom believed it was a genuine representation of the building.
Below is a snapshot of the Facebook post from November 3, 2024, sharing an image overlaid with the text “Underneath the Sydney Opera House.”
Below is a snapshot of the claim on Facebook from October 21, 2024, stating, “Underneath Sydney Opera House.”
As this claim has gained popularity on Facebook, other viral posts can be accessible via the following links: Link 1 (archived), Link 2 (archived), Link 3 (archived), Link 4 (archived), Link 5 (archived), Link 6 (archived), Link 7 (archived), and Link 8 (archived).
This claim has been widely spreading on other social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Meta’s newly created Threads.
Below is a snapshot of a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) from October 20, 2024, captioned, “Wow never knew this. Underneath the Sydney Opera House. Some structure.”
As this claim has gained popularity on social media, other viral posts can be accessible via the following links: Link 1 (archived), Link 2 (archived), Link 3 (archived), Link 4 (archived), Link 5 (archived), Link 6 (archived), Link 7 (archived), and Link 8 (archived).
Below is a snapshot of the claim on Threads from October 24, 2024, stating, “Underneath the Sydney Opera House.”
As this claim has gained popularity on social media, other viral posts can be accessible via the following links: Link 1 (archived), Link 2 (archived), Link 3 (archived), Link 4 (archived), Link 5 (archived), Link 6 (archived), and Link 7 (archived).
FACT CHECK
Fact Crescendo began the debunking process by utilizing an AI-generated image detector and investigating the image’s origin. Our investigation then uncovered the following facts.
The analysis of an AI-generated image detector confirms that the widely circulated image on social media was created by artificial intelligence.
Here is an analysis indicating that the viral image is more likely generated by an artificial intelligence application.
By conducting a reverse image search, we found that this AI-generated image was first posted in a social media group dedicated to sharing AI-generated images.
A Facebook post shared an image in a social media group, crediting it to Synthography Art in the caption.
While searching on the Facebook platform, we found the original post on the Synthography Art page, which is dated October 6, 2024.
A spokesperson for the Sydney Opera House stated that the image circulating on social media was not authentic, according to AFP fact-checking.
An authentic image of the building published on Google Arts & Culture shows that there is no green grass on the terrace of the Sydney Opera House.
Below are the images comparing the viral photo circulating on social media with the authentic photo of the Sydney Opera House.
The Sydney Opera House, an iconic Australian landmark, was constructed from 1959 to 1973. This distinctive building serves as a venue for various art performances in Sydney, New South Wales.
According to an ABC News report, A doughnut-shaped structure was built underground near the Sydney Opera House for parking purposes. It extends 42 meters underground, equivalent to a 12-story building.
Watch the animated video below to fully understand the Sydney Opera House and its surrounding structures.
According to Google Arts & Culture, the Sydney Opera House was built over a preserved archaeological site that still exists today.
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CONCLUSION
Fact Crescendo has determined that the viral claim is false. The image circulating widely on social media is not an authentic picture of the Sydney Opera House; it was generated by an artificial intelligence application.
Title:AI Image of Sydney Opera House Misleads Social Media
Fact Check By: Fact Crescendo TeamResult: False
