The Queen Victoria Building is an iconic part of the city of Sydney and draws innumerable visitors each year. It has been rightfully described as one of the most resplendent shopping complexes on the globe and is also a historical attraction in its own right. An exceptional specimen of Byzantine style architecture occupying a whole block in the city, this edifice was originally constructed in 1898 as a replacement for the Sydney Market. Subsequently it served as a concert arena and later was renovated as the important City Library.
In the 1930s the venue was refurbished and made use of for other purposes, with municipal offices being located there. A major transformation was implemented in 1984 when it was completely remodelled as a classy shopping complex, featuring over 200 stores. These renovations were thoughtful and innovative, retaining the antique appeal of the edifice.
Even today the building projects an ambience of grandeur and magnificence, with windows of splendid stained glass, an array of lofty domes in different sizes, and widespread use of elaborate wooden panels.
A point of interest is the splendid hanging clock which portrays an array of mechanical moving images of the monarchs of Britain hour by hour. This display is preceded by the sound of trumpeters and concludes with the execution of Charles I!
The building features temporary as well as permanent exhibitions of artefacts and objects of interest which are located at numerous locations on the different floors of the edifice, including reproductions of the crown jewels of Britain and an elaborately decorated life-size coach. Additionally you will see a collection of paintings of royalty at the venue.
The Queen Victoria Building is open to the public every day, and is a major point of interest for residents and tourists alike. Boutiques with Old World facades are to be seen on three storeys which offer some of the most captivating shopping opportunities in Sydney, with merchandise seldom to be found elsewhere. With all this on offer, a visit to the Queen Victoria Building will never disappoint.
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