Queen Victoria Building

Overview

The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is a grand Romanesque Revival shopping arcade occupying an entire city block on George Street. Designed by George McRae and completed in 1898, it was saved from demolition in the 1980s and restored to its original splendour.

Highlights

• Royal Automaton Clock: A 4-tonne clock with 33 scenes from English history that animates on the hour.
• Great Australian Clock: Suspended from the southern dome, it depicts Aboriginal and colonial history in 33 animated scenes.
• Stained glass: Pierre Mayer's central dome features intricate stained glass flooding the interior with colour.

History

Built to replace the original Sydney markets during the 1890s Depression as a make-work project, the QVB fell into disrepair by the 1950s. Malaysian company Ipoh Ltd funded a AUD $75 million restoration completed in 1986.

Visitor Tips

• Free to browse: Entry is free; it's as much a museum as a shopping centre.
• Lower ground floor: The best boutiques are on the basement level.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.