Like many of the world’s heritage landmarks, which also double as a luxury shopping destination – Harrods London, Galeries Lafayette, Union Square’s Bergdorf Goodman – the Queen Victoria Building has a rich cultural history and remains to be one of the most visited destinations for locals and tourists alike. And this year, our heritage-listed late-nineteenth-century building on Sydney CBD’s George St is celebrating its 127th anniversary. From its first opening in 1898 to its near demolition and refurbishment, Queen Elizabeth II’s secret letter and a WorldPride celebration, here we’ll take a look back at some of the building’s most memorable moments.

1898 – The Queen Victoria Markets Building officially opened in 1898 after construction began in 1893. It was designed by architect George McRae, replacing the original Sydney Central Markets on site, after the Sydney City Council hoped to construct a new building that would match the scale and grandeur of the newly-finished Town Hall. It was named in tribute to the monarch's Diamond Jubilee.

1918 – The Queen Victoria Markets Building was officially amended to the Queen Victoria Building.

1959 – The QVB faced near-demolition as Henry Jensen, Sydney Council’s Alderman at the time, proposed to turn the building into a parkland and civic square with parking and shopping beneath. It was, however, saved by the people of Sydney following ardent public campaigning.

1980-1986 – In 1980, the Sydney City Council sought public submissions for the restoration of QVB and several months later had the Malaysian company, Ipoh Ltd, develop a restoration scheme. In 1983, the Council granted a 99-year lease to Ipoh Ltd and an agreement for the restoration of the QVB was signed, with restoration beginning the following year. Two years later, in November 1986, the QVB reopened its doors following a $86 million renovation.

1986 – Following its reopening, Queen Elizabeth II visited the QVB during her royal tour of Sydney. She also wrote a handwritten note addressed to the City of Sydney, which was locked inside a vault on the top floor and is to be opened in the year 2085.

1998 – The QVB celebrates 100 years since it first opened.

2000 – Upon the turn of the new century, the QVB’s ballroom was reimagined into the Tea Rooms. With ornate ceilings and grand chandeliers, you can book in for an indulgent high tea or a private function here.

2009 – A second $48 million refurbishment is completed, after commencing the year prior, welcoming new escalators, colour schemes, signage, lighting and storefronts. It was officially reopened by the Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore in August.

2010 – The building was heritage listed on the NSW State Heritage Register as a “recognition of its unique architectural style and scale as well as its level of detailing and craftsmanship.”

2023 and beyond – In celebration of Sydney hosting WorldPride, the QVB was renamed to honour five key leaders within the LGBTQIA+ space – including trans woman and entertainer Carlotta, queer activist Ken Davis, Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, ally Janine Middleton AM and Indigenous drag queen Felicia Foxx. Each was also captured in a series of royal-style portraits, titled ‘Real Queens.’

If you’d like to experience first-hand the history and culture of the QVB, we recommend embarking on one of our guided history tours. We’ll take you through the building‘s grand architecture and design features as well as stories and secrets behind the stained glass windows. Tickets are available for $25. Visit here for more information to make a booking.