The Queen Victoria Building, is now famously known as the QVB was designed by George McRae and completed in 1898. It replaced the original Sydney Markets and was named to honour Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

The construction took place in during Sydney's severe recession. The elaborate Romanesque architecture was chosen for the grand building and the Government employed many out-of-work craftsman during its contruction.

Originally a concert hall, coffee shops, showrooms, warehouses and a wide variety of tradespeople were accomodated. Over many decades, change saw the concert hall become the city library, offices proliferate and more tennants moved in.

Drastic remodelling occured during the 1930s and the main occupant was Sydney City Council. In 1976, a committee was formed to manage the "QVB Restoration Project" and 55 tenders were received but none were accepted.

In 1982, the council agrees to rent the building to Ipoh Garden Berhad for 99 years and the restoration starts at 1984. The QVB was restored and in 1986 Queen Victoria Building open its doors.

Today the QVB stands in all its glory, testimony to the original vision for the building and the superb craftsmanship of the artisans who put it all back together again.

The Queen Victoria Building fills an entire city block bound by George, Market, York and Druitt Streets.There is so much history to see when you visit this unique building.

Here are some attractions you will find as you wander around this beautiful building.

• The Royal Clock- is made in England, the Royal Clock was placed in the building after the renovation in 1986. Located on Level 2 the clock performs on the hour from 9 am to 9 pm showing six scenes fo the Royal English History, representing the close connection between England and Australia.

• Crown Jewels - The Crown Jewels is located on Level 2 , South End, the life size tableau from London shows Queen Victoria on the morning of her coronation, 28 June 1838. The Crown Jewels was crafted after the originals housed in the Tower of London.

• Time Capsule - Located on Level 2 sits a "Time Capsule" containing a letter from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II written in 1986, it is to be opened 99 years later in 2085. A message to the citizens of Sydney, possibly wishing them well and celebrating the longevity of the QVB as a timeless and a place for all to enjoy.

• Stained Glass Windows - Located on Levels 1 and 2, Centre Dome Area, the windows on the York Street side are original. The window on the George Street side was damaged during the Hilton Hotel bombing in February 1978 and a new window was designed to commemorate the restoration of the QVB.

• Queen Victoria Bronze Statue - Located on the Forecourt, this statue was originally located in front of the Irish Parliament House in Dublin until 1947. It was given to the people of Sydney as a gift from the people of Ireland and unveiled in 1987.

• Wishing Well - Located in Bicentennial Plaza, the wishing well was installed in 1987 and features a bronze statue of Queen Victoria's favourite pet her dog Islay. The small stone was a gift from Ireland famous Blarney Castle. All donations are given to the NSW Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.

Discovering Queen Victoria Building is an experience of grand proportions where history, culture and shopping is under one spectacular roof.

It has the best of Sydney's contemporary ladies and men's fashion, shoes, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs, restaurants and food, art, jewellery and antiques.

Trading hours at Queen Victoria Building varies but it is open 7 days a week.