Following my unfestive doom and gloom post, [thank you to those of you who shared your thoughts on the subject], I thought I'd show you some of the pretty holiday trimming at the intersection.
I'll start with the Queen Victoria Building, otherwise called the QVB.
There is a very large Swarovski tree there every year. This is the bottom bit. I think the little girl in the Mickey Mouse hat liked it.
To see all of the tree, we'll have to go up the escalator or stairs.
Here's a close-up of the lovely stain glass on the way up. The very 1st picture at the beginning of the post is a close-up of the central panel.
And onward to the 3rd level! Can you see the middle part of the tree through the arch?
The view down.
I noticed this cast iron circular staircase for the very first time, leading to a mysterious door. 
Now let's walk over to the Great Australian Clock. It's one of 2 famous mechanical clocks in the QVB.
It has historical dioramas...
I've always loved the view down.
The buzz and the mosaic floor.
More pretty stain glass.
And next to the statue is the intersection.
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The QVB is 114 years old. If you'd like to read more about the building or the clocks and see some terrific pictures including historical ones, click HERE.
What a wonderful building....love the clock and the stained glass window - I wonder how many people just walk on through without ever stopping to really take a look.
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely building!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your great pictures of the beautiful QVB! The tree is amazing too. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful building - I especially love the dome and agree it looks like the star on the tree.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting juxtaposition - poverty and opulence at the same intersection. So true in so many places.
Wow, that's gorgeous! What a beeYOUtiful tree!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I've never heard of that building, but it is gorgeous! If I'm ever lucky enough to get to Australia, I will definitely have to go and see it. Thank you so much for taking the time to go and photograph it to share with us!
ReplyDeleteThat is one tall tree! I love stained glass and this is quite beautiful.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful -- thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteCOWSPOTDOGS - I forgot to mention (though you might have noticed in the pictures) that the QVB is now used as a shopping centre so people do stop and gawk. Maybe more at the stuff on sale though ;)
ReplyDeleteJEAN - very true indeed.
BUNNY'S MAMA - of course you'll get here one day! You must. The spiders and giant earthworms will be waiting too :)
I was there, and at the wishing well too. Maybe we met without knowing it...
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful building. I loved the clocks.
VERO, maybe we did! I took a picture of the doggy wishing well but it turned out awful so I didn't include it. But for anyone who's interested, check the link in the post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful building. I love historical locations.
ReplyDeleteThe Mama lost all ability to function or focus at "Swarovski Tree". She's easily distracted by shiny things!
ReplyDeleteThis is so neat. Thank you for the tour! My grandpa would love that mechanical clock; I have to ask if he saw it on his trip to Sydney years ago.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for your sweet note!
Baci (kisses),
Tootsie
Holy freakin' tree! And that whole building is awesome. Thanks for the tour inside.
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning place. How'd they get that tree in there?
ReplyDeleteQueen Victoria has a beautiful building and it looks like it has been maintained very well through the years.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous building - and that tree is really something!
ReplyDeleteWhat a special place to visit! The dome is pretty spectacular. I agree with the others that it is an interesting pairing - so much poverty outside, so much opulence inside. Not atypical on a city street, sadly. The world is full of extremes but it seems like streets like this one force you to acknowledge the differences head on.
ReplyDeleteBut this was supposed to be a happy post. :-P
Haha KIRSTEN! Trust you to ask a question I can't answer. In pieces probably? It's not real ;)
ReplyDeleteJAN - According to the link, QVB was almost demolished in 1959 but was saved and restored in the 70s. Thank goodness!
KRISTINE - maybe the comments shouldn't be separated? That would be more reflective of the area.
Wow! Queen Victoria Building looks gorgeous! And what a big and beautiful Swarovski tree. Just lovely these stain glass and the dome is stunning too! Great the Australian Clock!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tour, I really appreciate it so much!
Many kisses!
How could I have not gone into the Queen Victoria Building when I was in Sydney? What's wrong with me?! Argggh!
ReplyDeleteThat spiral staircase is the coolest!
-c at ddy.
Silly goose C! You'll just have to come back :D
ReplyDelete... beginning to catch up on the reading and will try not to leave a comment on every post because that's a bit too creepy when it happens all at once HOWEVER I did want to comment on this one because Sydney is my fave Australian city. It outdoes any of the other capital cities. I love the QVB building too. Is there still a Monsoon in there? Sigh. All that silk. I've spent a fair amount of money in the print shop right on the very top floor too over the years. It is such a beautiful building. Seeing your photos reminded me that I used to be a city kid, and I even like cities (proper ones, I don't include Darwin). And 114 year old buildings. Drink it all in Typist, there are those of us that are starved of such beautiful old architecture. :( It must be time for a trip.
ReplyDelete