Should We Allow Advertising On Our Country’s Iconic Landmarks?

With the recent media controversy surrounding The Everest Cup horse racing event being advertised on Australia’s most iconic building, The Sydney Opera House, there has been huge public backlash and debate within the Australian community. While some believe that The Opera House is the city’s “biggest billboard” and should be used for economic gain, others are outraged that the government has allowed our national landmark to be polluted with branding. The government stated that the aim of advertising on the sails of The Opera House is to bring more tourists and investments to Sydney, but does branding our iconic landmark for commercial gain damage our reputation as a holiday destination? It makes us ask ourselves the question, “should we allow advertising on our country’s iconic landmarks?”