It’s in the Details of QVB

The Queen Victoria Building, or QVB, is a beautifully preserved heritage site from the late 1800s, located along George Street in Sydney’s CBD. I took this photo a few months ago while visiting with my sister and niece. I almost forgot to post it, but the “In the Detail” theme from Patti reminded me to share this iconic building. All Cellpic photos are with my iPhone 13 ProMax, for Johnbo’s challenge

The Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, designed by Scottish architect George McRae, showcases impressive Romanesque architecture. Initially featuring a concert hall, coffee shops, showrooms, and warehouses. Over time, the concert hall became the city library, and the building evolved into a bustling office space with numerous tenants.

Considerable attention was given to the intricate details of the pillars.

The building’s standout feature is its impressive central dome, which includes a copper-clad exterior and an inner stained glass dome.

One of the QVB’s outstanding features is its stained glass windows, which flood the area beneath the dome with light. Among them is a striking cartwheel window, depicting scenes from British history and culture.

The Great Australian Clock, hanging on the northern side of the central dome, chimes every hour. It tells the story of Australia’s history from both Aboriginal and European perspectives, featuring 138 figures and 33 detailed scenes.

These public toilets are considered the most beautiful in town, with remarkable attention to detail. They were so pristine and pleasantly fragrant that I could have stayed there for hours haha

Visited Sydney with Jack, Pilar and Pam in April of 2024.

17 Comments Add yours

  1. restlessjo says:

    What a stunning building, Teresa! The details are exquisite and I’ve never seen anything like that clock! Fabulous photos!

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks so much Jo. The architecture inside and out are definitely amazing.

    2. Teresa says:

      Thanks so much Jo. Yes, the clock is definitely unique.

  2. Toonsarah says:

    A beautiful building and with so many details to absorb! No wonder you wanted to share it with us 🙂

    1. Teresa says:

      And I almost forgot. Glad to be reminded by this challenge. Thanks for the kind words Sarah.

  3. A truly beautiful building, and you’ve provided so many details, Teresa!

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks Johnbo, happy to share.

  4. Marie says:

    Wow. Love the interior dome photos. Fabulous building.

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks Marie, glad you liked it but what is there not to like. It is such an awesome building, facade and interior.

  5. JohnRH says:

    Fascinating place, great selections. Well done!

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks John.

  6. Coral Waight says:

    Such a stunning building.

    1. Teresa says:

      Definitely is. It is very impressive thanks Coral.

  7. Leya says:

    Beautiful building and beautiful details – and so many!

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks much A-C. ❤️

  8. Sofia Alves says:

    I love Victorian architecture exactly because of all the care they had on the smallest of details. True art. Wonderful post, Teresa, you’ve picked the perfect subject 🙂

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks a lot Sofia. Glad you think so.

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