Queen Victoria Building

The QVB was built in the late 1800's in the Romanesque Revival style. It fills the entire block skirted by George, Market, York and Druitt Streets.

It underwent an Art Deco remodelling in the 1930's.

It started life as a market place but over time it fell into disuse & dereliction. It was threatened with demolition numerous times.

In 1974 it was classified by the National Trust of Australia.

Restoration work began in 1984 & it was officially reopened in 1986.

This week I've had events in the city that have given me many different views of the QVB.

Below is the view from the Victoria Cafe in the Myer building, George St.

Another cafe, this time at ground level on York St.

The next two pics are taken on York St outside Abbey's bookshop featuring the domes up close.

Note the top of Sydney Tower peeking out from behind the QVB.

Finally, this is the view of the QVB from Sydney Tower - complete with the shadow of Sydney Tower to the left.

According to my Top 10 Sydney the QVB "houses the best of fashion, food, art, jewellery and antiques". 

It goes on to say "The five-storey Romanesque QVB staggers visitors with its beautiful tiled floors, elegants staircases, stained glass, barrel vaulted glass ceiling and copper domed roof. Built on the site of the old Sydney markets, this landmark was designed by George McRae and opened to applause in 1898. Today the QVB houses local and international fashion brands."

I will add some photos of the incredible interior at a later date....

This post is part of West Metro Mommy's Saturday Snapshot & my personal Sydney challenge.