The Queen Victoria Building (known as QVB for short) is a five-level shopping center in the heart of Sydney. Now a Sydney crown jewel, the QVB was once a city eyesore before being restored to all its glory in 1986. It occupies a street block bound by George, Market, York, and Druitt Streets.
Its long architectural history comes with numerous activities only found in such a historic place. One such activity is meeting a talking dog. This dog remains still because he is cast in bronze. Here’s what he says in a pre-recorded message:
Hello, my name is Islay. I was once the companion and friend of the great Queen Victoria. Because of the many good deeds I have done for deaf and blind children I have been given the power of speech.
If you cast a coin into the wishing well now, I will say thank you. Thank you, woof, woof.
Islay, Queen Victoria’s loyal canine
Meeting Islay is just one of the many unique things to do at the QVB. Australia’s only talking dog fits a building with lots of history and uniqueness. Below are other things you must do at the Queen Victoria Building.
1. Take a photo with Queen Victoria
A Queen Victoria statue is one of the first things you will notice at the front of the QVB. You should most certainly take a photo with her. She sits on a bronze throne at the corner of George and Druitt Streets.
The throne rests on a sandstone base, holding a scepter in her right hand. She adorns a gown that drapes over the front of the sculpture. At the rear, a cloak hangs over her shoulder. Including a triangular sandstone base, the entire sculpture is three meters tall.
The sculptor
What makes this sculpture unique is that someone didn’t make it in Australia. Additionally, it was created in the first half of the 20th century and installed at the QVB Australia in the 1980s. John Hughes sculpted the piece of art in Dublin before dying in 1941.
Moving the Queen Victoria statue
Sydney City Council told Neil Glasser to find a Queen Victoria memorial sculpture. He found many worldwide, including Turkey, Pakistan, Yemen, and India, but no country wanted to give theirs away.
Glasser’s two-year hunt for a Queen Victoria statue ended in 1985 when his search led him to a farmhouse near Dublin. Here, he uncovered the massive statue that now sits at the QVB.
The statue once sat at a parliament building in Dublin. Through discussions with Ireland, they gifted the statue to Sydney on loan “until recalled.” To move the giant statue, a ship brought it from Ireland to Sydney. The plaque on the base reads:
At the request of the City of Sydney / This statue was presented by the / Government and people of Ireland / In a spirit of Goodwill and Friendship / Until 1947 it stood in front of Leinster House Dublin / The seat of the Irish Parliament / Sculptured by John Hughes RHA Dublin 1865-1941 / Unveiled on 20th December 1987 by Sir Eric Neal, Chief Commissioner / L.P. Carter O.B.E. / Town Clerk / Sir Nicholas Sheadie O.B.E. / Deputy Chief Commissioner / M. Norman Oakes A.O. / Commissioner
The back panel reads:
This statue of Queen Victoria / Was located in Ireland / Acquired and Brought to Sydney by Neil Glasser / Director of Promotions / Queen Victoria Building 1983-1987.
The front panel reads:
This Plaque commemorates the visit to this site / By Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II And / His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh / On / The occasion of the Bicentenary of Australia / 4th May 1988.
2. Donate a coin to Islay at the QVB
As we move away from the Queen Victoria sculpture and head to the left when facing the QVB entrance, you’ll see another bronze sculpture that reads:
Here sits Islay, a bronze dog. Islay was Queen Victoria’s favorite pet, a skye terrier. The Queen sketched Islay frequently, along with her painting master, Edwin Landseer.
The Sydney sculptor Justin Robson made the bronze dog from an 1843 sketch by the Queen. It cost $10,000 to make the bronze dog.
Whenever Islay would see his royal owner, he would beg for a dog treat or biscuit. The giant Queen Victoria statue is so big, you might miss the smaller dog statue. I didn’t even see the charming terrier until I heard it start talking to me.
The QVB wishing well
After about 60 seconds, Islay asks for a donation to go to the Sydney Royal Institute for Dead and Blind Children. If you throw a coin in the sandstone wishing well, the dog says “thank you, woof, woof”.
Note: Islay died April 26, 1844 and is buried in Adelaide Cottage, Windsor Castle.
Below the sculpture is a bronze sign titled “the wishing well” and “dedicated to all deaf and blind children”. Some of it reads:
Ponder a while at this edge of reality, short shifting scenes of a Queen’s immortality. Gaze into the pool, make a wish and reflect, then pause for a moment to pay your respect.
To the dog spoke of so highly, befitting a queen, this Cairn terrier Islay. Her faithful companion of so many years, she bode him farewell, with the shed of her tears.
On a separate bronze plaque titled “the legend of Islay” reads:
Islay was a favorite pet of Queen Victoria. Whenever he saw the royal mistress he would sit up and beg for a biscuit. He was often sketched and painted both by Queen Victoria and Sir Edwin Landseer, her painting master.
The bronze sculpture by Justin Robson was modeled from a sketch drawn by Queen Victoria in 1842. Now over a century later, Islay is begging hopefully for a coin to help deaf and blind children of New South Wales.
3. Climb the grand and spiral staircases
The building has a stunning architectural design, with grand and spiral staircases. Architect George McRae, based in Sydney, designed the QVB. The building takes up a 190-meter by 30-meter footprint. He created the structure in the Romanesque revival style, which was popular in the late 19th century.
The Sydney marketplace was renamed Queen Victoria Building to honor the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.George Street got its name in honor of King George III in 1810. Modern escalators go to each floor of the building as well.
Read other travel tips and guides
The Grand Staircases at the Queen Victoria Building
The Grand Staircases are two staircases located in the QVB that lead from the ground floor to the first floor. The staircases consist of cast iron and feature beautiful decorations of mosaics and carvings.
Tourists widely photograph these staircases, which are one of the main attractions in the building.
The QVB spiral staircases
The shopping destination comprises over 145 shops, including high-end designer stores, coffee shops, and galleries. Four columns support the stately central dome, which is the dominant feature of the interior.
The shopping mall has smaller domes on different levels. Its stained glass windows are stunningly beautiful and intricately detailed. We compare these windows to others in the city.
The QVB also has two spiral staircases that lead to the second and third floors. These cast iron staircases offer breathtaking views of the central dome and interior.
The spiral staircase’s significance doesn’t just stem from its engineering and design. The marble stairs with cast-iron railings are reminiscent of Edwardian grandeur and tell a cultural heritage story.
4. Glorious QVB stained glass windows
The dominant element of the staircase is the beautiful, ornate stained-glass ceiling. People around the globe visit the QVB daily to admire this remarkable building feature.
Restoration of all arches, tiled floors, pillars, and balustrades took place to maintain the building’s integrity. The original plans for the building had a library, concert hall, and cafes. The QVB restoration took place in 1986 along with a second restoration in 2009.
5. Mighty centre dome at the Queen Victoria Building
The QVB building’s vaulted ceiling are another stunning feature. Intricate patterns and beautiful colors adorn the ceiling, giving the interior an aesthetic appeal. It consists of an inner glass dome and an exterior copper sheathed dome.
The Grand Central Dome is the largest dome. It is the dominant feature in the QVB and accompanies 20 smaller domes.
6. The Tea Room
The Tea Room is beautiful for high tea or a light meal. It offers afternoon tea to guests. They can choose from a variety of teas from around the world. Additionally, the Tea Room serves delicious sweet and savory snacks.
7. The Great Australian Clock at the QVB
Located in the center of the building, the Great Australian Clock is a popular meeting spot and an impressive sight to see.
8. Magnificent atrium and royal clock
The Atrium, situated in the center of the QVB, is the striking centerpiece of the building, designed in 1898. The stunning open space is four stories high and crowned by a stained-glass dome that bathes the area in natural light.
Many visitors describe the Atrium as a jewel with its intricate stonework, pillars, arches, and timber fences, which make it a must-visit destination.
Three levels of balustraded balconies surround the Atrium. The balconies are decorated with tiles of different colors and patterns, creating a unique and stunning piece of art.
The view of the circular balconies is best experienced above, on the fourth floor. When you look down, the tiles form a beautiful impressionistic masterpiece you can only appreciate by visiting in person.
Royal Clock
The Royal Clock is on the upper level of the southern half of the mall in Sydney. Designed by Neil Glasser and made by Thwaites & Reed of England, it suspends from the atrium. The clock depicts various scenes from England and has a plaque that reads “by appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
9. Play the piano at the QVB
A great thing to do on the top floor of the QVB is to play the grand piano. This piano is open to the public, and if you know how to play, you’ll have shoppers cheering you on to your favorite tune.
The piano sits on the top floor of the QVB next to the dome centre. Here, a Christmas tree stands each year that starts at the ground floor and stretches through circular openings at each level. The tree reaches the dome centre, and ornamental crystals adorn its branches.
10. Eat a macaroon
La Belle Miette have a wide variety of macaroons on the ground floor towards the enter of the QVB.
11. Go shopping
A trip to the best and most popular shopping mall in Sydney would not be complete without strolling through the over 145 stores. Some consider the QVB to be the best shopping mall in Sydney.
The department stores throughout the QVB are diverse! They include places for eating, dining and purchasing gifts. The stores appear to get more luxurious as you climb floor levels.
QVB FAQ
1. How do you find the QVB?
Map of location
Queen Victoria Building, Sydney, NSW
Address
Queen Victoria Building, Sydney, Australia, 455 George Street, NSW
Location and Accessibility
The QVB Sydney stands between George Street and York Street and is near the Town Hall Train Station. QVB parking is available nearby, making it easily accessible by car.
If you are coming from Darling Harbour, you can take a short scenic walk to the QVB through the city’s streets and laneways.
2. When is the best time to visit the Queen Victoria Building?
To avoid the crowds, try visiting during the week or early in the morning. The QVB beautifully decorates during the holiday season, offering a festive experience.
Hours of operation
- 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Open daily
No matter what you call it, QVB, Queen Vic Building or the Queen Victoria Building, this architectural masterpiece has so many things to do and see. With our recommendations, you can get a head start on what the Queen Victoria Building offers.
Discover the beautiful QVB with its intricate design, artwork, timepieces, winding stairs, and colorful windows, and don’t forget to meet the talking dog.
