| Find City
| Sydney Australia
| Attractions
| Centrepoint Tower
| The Queen Victoria Building
| Quarantine Station
| State Library of NSW
| Town Hall
| St Andrew's Anglican Cathedral
| St Mary's Cathedral
| Sydney Harbour Bridge
| Sydney Observatory
|
Location: 455 George Street, City
The Queen Victoria Building or known simply as the QVB is perhaps one of the
most beautiful shopping centre in Sydney. In 1950, the Sydney Country Council
formerly known as the Electricity Department set out to introduce plans for a new
building. Since then the building has survived two major demolition proposal, one in
1959 and 1965.
Fortunately for the people of Sydney the building became a heritage building in
1974 by the National Trust. The Council held a competition to design the layout
for the building in 1977. In all 55 entries were received but only 5 chosen. One year later
all proposals by the five finalists were rejected due to the Town Clerk's visionary
to create a grand shopping mall for the public.
In 1980, in an effort to find funding to the buildings, the council puts its proposal in
a world wide bid. In that same year, Malaysian businessman, Yap Lim Sen
oversaw the submission to restore the building. Six years later, the Queen Victoria Building
opened to the public as a beautiful and fully restored building with retail shopping centres
on four levels.
The QVB is known for its Byzantine influenced statues and works from
19th century master craftsmen, stonemasons, plasters and stained glass artist. If you walk
towards one of the entrance of the building, you will find the tall and gloomy
statue of Queen Victoria herself. (see right) The statue was a gift from the people of Ireland
after it was banished from Ireland due to political changes. The statue shows the
queen on the morning of her coronation on the 28th June 1838. Close by is the
Royal Wishing Well where the queen's dog Islay is portrayed in a begging
fashion. All money donated in the well will be given to the 'New South Wales
Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.'
A permanent display, the 'Imperial Bridal Jade Carriage', (see left) the only one of its kind outside
of China was created by more than 100 artists on more than 300 ton of raw jade and is
a must for all visitors to the building. There is also the Victoria Cross Memorial
dedicated to 96 Australians who had been awarded the Victoria Cross. Watch out for the
classical paintings at the top most level of the building. There is also a display of
Queen Elizabeth II's crow jewels, replicas of course, which can be found on the top
most gallery level.
TIP: The Royal Automata Clock within the
heart of QVB draws people every hour to its side. It chimes on the hour between 9am
to 9pm daily and it is worth watching the clock. Following the Westminister chime
you can expect to see a moving pageant from the pages of history. Images include King John
signing the Magna Carta, King Henry VIII with his wives, Sir Francis Drake
being knighted by Queen Elizabeth I and the execution of King Charles I.
For more information about Queen Victoria Building visit the
Queen Victoria Building Homepage.
(02) 9264-9209
Find CityTM takes no responsibility
for the owners' change in phone or fax number, postal address and website information.
Check list:
- Guided Tours: Tours depart at 11.30am and 2.30pm daily starting
from the Tour Desk on the ground floor.
- Personalized tours for people with special needs can be arranged. Call ahead to make
arrangements.
- Parking underground is available and sits about 700 cars.
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday (9am to 6pm), Sunday and public holiday (11am to 5pm)
| Main Page
| Centrepoint Tower
| The Queen Victoria Building
| Quarantine Station
| State Library of NSW
| Town Hall
| St Andrew's Anglican Cathedral
| St Mary's Cathedral
| Sydney Harbour Bridge
| Sydney Observatory
|
