The Queen Victoria Building also affectionately known as the QVB was built in 1898 which was designed by architect George McRae. The QVB was constructed in Sydney, Australia?s central business district in order to replace the old Sydney market. The idea for the Queen Victoria Building was to serve as a monument for the reigning monarch at the time and at the same time provide much needed employment for local carpenters and stone masons in the area.

Spans 30 meters wide and 190 meters long, the Queen Victoria Building was also originally set to be a concert hall with other spaces that can be used either as offices, showrooms and even coffee shops as time went by until it was returned to its original purpose as a shopping center most recently.

Visitors who have already seen the Queen Victoria Building has noted the mighty central dome that consists of an inner glass dome as well as an exterior copper covered dome. Aside from the Romanesque revival architectural design for the building, the QVB also prides itself in having a 19th century staircase which has remained even during the restoration of the building which happened in the late part of the 20th century.

Somewhere inside the building, tourists and locals alike would also be able to see for themselves some old documents which includes a letter addressed to the Sydney residents from the British Queen Elizabeth II. Interestingly enough the letter comes with specific instructions that it should only be opened and read aloud the Sydney?s Lord Mayor in the year 2085. QVB visitors can also make a wish with the outdoor royal wishing well and take pictures with a statue of Queen Victoria II.

Visitors will not only marvel at the wonderful architecture that the Queen Victoria Building boasts but also of the restaurants and boutiques that are housed inside the shopping arcade.