As you may have read in my previous publications, I am a big fan of beautiful buildings and simply love admiring their architecture. So, when I was in Sydney, I couldn’t resist the temptation to go and explore the most stunning Queen Victoria Building, also known as QVB.
This place is impressive, with its alluring design that will leave you in awe.
Why is the Queen Victoria building famous?
The Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, Australia, is an absolutely beautiful example of Victorian-era architecture that showcases the city’s rich history and the dedication of its people to preserving it.
It’s located right in the city’s heart and takes up an entire block surrounded by George, Market, York, and Druitt Streets.
The building’s most eye-catching feature is the stunning central dome comprising an inner glass dome and an outer copper-sheathed dome.
The QVB’s stunning stained-glass windows and grand architecture, meticulously preserved over time, will captivate you.
It has meticulously restored every intricate detail, such as arches, pillars, balustrades, and tiled floors, to maintain the historical integrity of the building.
What was the original purpose of the Queen Victoria building?
George McRae built the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) in 1898 after demolishing the Sydney Markets. It was named in honor of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Since then, the building has undergone various renovations.
Initially, the QVB was a large building designed in the Elaborate Romanesque style. It housed a concert hall, coffee shops, showrooms, and various tradespeople. Over time, it changed and became offices, warehouses, and apartments. Today, the former concert hall is the city library.
The QVB underwent significant changes in the 1930s to accommodate its primary tenant, the Sydney City Council. However, there were plans to demolish the building between 1959 and 1971. Fortunately, an extensive restoration project was approved, and in 1982, Ipoh Garden was awarded the task of restoring the building and given a 99-year lease.
The QVB underwent extensive restoration in 1986 and was refurbished again in 2009. Today, the building is a magnificent example of its original vision and the skilled work of the artisans who restored it. The QVB continues to amaze both locals and visitors alike.
What is the largest clock in Australia?
The Great Australian Clock is a well-known clock in the Queen Victoria Building. It is the largest clock in Australia, standing at 10 meters (32.8 ft) tall and weighing 4 tonnes (8818 Lbs).
The clock face consists of four clocks, each representing a different time zone in Australia. Unfortunately, the clock is currently broken, so visitors cannot depend on it for accurate timekeeping.
Nevertheless, the clock is a testament to its builders’ craftsmanship and engineering skills, making it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Sydney.
Is It Worth Visiting QVB?
The QVB is an iconic landmark of Sydney, and visiting it is an experience you will remember.
If you want to shop in Sydney CBD, you should check out the Queen Victoria Building (QVB).
It has a variety of boutique shops, tasty restaurants, and Victoria’s Basement, making it an excellent place for shoppers.
But even if you’re not interested in shopping, the QVB is still worth visiting for its incredible architecture. The central dome, intricate stained-glass windows, and ornate details are all visually stunning.
The QVB is an iconic landmark of Sydney and should definitely be on your must-see list if you visit the city.