Queen Victoria Building

It was a very rainy day so our Photography Meetup group met in Queen Victoria Building to take photos.  It's such a sublimely beautiful building both outside and inside, though on this day, we just focused on the interior.

Interesting facts about the Queen Victoria Building

• Opened in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the building was designed to create jobs during a time of economic hardship.
• Built in the Romanesque Revival style, it features sandstone arches, stained glass, tiled floors, and a massive central dome clad in copper.
• The QVB was nearly demolished several times in the 20th century and used as a library, offices, and city administration space before being restored.
• In the 1980s, a major restoration by Malaysian company Ipoh Ltd. revived the building as a grand shopping destination.
• Inside hang two giant mechanical clocks — the Royal Clock and the Great Australian Clock — with animated scenes from British and Australian history.
• A statue of Queen Victoria sits outside the George Street entrance, accompanied by her dog “Islay,” which speaks when you donate to a children’s charity.
• The building now houses more than 180 shops, including fashion boutiques, jewellers, cafes, and galleries across five levels.
• Spiral staircases, mosaic floors, and historic touches remain, giving the building an old-world charm amid the retail bustle.
• The central dome and surrounding glasswork allow light to pour in, illuminating the intricate interior with natural beauty.

 A photo taken by Stan on his polaroid camera