Leinster House historic building in 1911 Dublin Ireland

Statue Of Queen Victoria

Visiting the Statue of Queen Victoria, Sydney, Australia

Guide: Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: The Statue of Queen Victoria in Sydney — History and Cultural Importance

The Queen Victoria statue outside Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is a striking emblem of the city’s colonial heritage and enduring links to the British Empire. Set in the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District, this bronze monument not only showcases remarkable artistic craftsmanship but also tells a story that bridges Ireland, Britain, and Australia. Sculpted by John Hughes in 1908 and first installed in Dublin, the statue’s relocation to Sydney in 1987 reflects complex transnational ties. Today, it stands amidst the QVB’s grand Victorian Romanesque architecture, providing a vivid historical anchor in a bustling urban landscape.

This guide explores the statue’s origin, artistic features, and its evolving role in Sydney’s public memory. You’ll also find practical details on visiting hours, accessibility, nearby attractions, and travel tips to help you make the most of your visit. For more, consult the Queen Victoria Building official site and the City of Sydney sculpture guide.

Origins and Commissioning of the Statue
The Irish Connection: The Queen Victoria Building Statue
Transfer to Sydney and Installation at the QVB
Artistic and Symbolic Features
Visiting the Queen Victoria Statue: Hours, Tickets, and Tips
Nearby Sydney Historical Sites
Role in Sydney’s Heritage and Public Memory
Queen Victoria Statues Worldwide: Comparative Context
Practical Visitor Information & FAQ
Conclusion and Recommendations
References

Origins and Commissioning of the Statue

The first significant Queen Victoria monument in Sydney was commissioned in the late 19th century, a demonstration of the colony’s loyalty to the British Crown. The foundation stone was laid in 1881, coinciding with royal visits (Yale Center For British Art). Unveiled in 1888, the original bronze statue by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm stood in Queen’s Square, Macquarie Street, commemorating Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. This monument, characterized by regal attire and symbols of unity—the rose, shamrock, and thistle—became a focal point for public ceremonies (Victorian Web).

The Irish Connection: The Queen Victoria Building Statue

The most prominent Queen Victoria statue in Sydney today was not originally intended for Australia. Sculpted by John Hughes, it was unveiled in 1908 outside Leinster House, Dublin. Hughes portrayed the Queen as a sovereign for Ireland as well as Britain, with allegorical figures and inscriptions dedicated by her Irish subjects (Irish Post). After Ireland became a republic, the statue’s location grew controversial, and it was removed from public view in 1939, eventually languishing in storage.

Transfer to Sydney and Installation at the Queen Victoria Building

During the QVB’s restoration in the 1980s, Sydney officials sought a suitable statue for the building’s entrance. The Irish government agreed to loan the statue, having failed to repatriate it to Britain or Canada (Irish Post). Shipped to Sydney in 1987, the statue’s journey was seen as historical irony: the queen whose rule oversaw convict transportation to Australia was now herself being “transported.” After restoration, it was unveiled on December 20, 1987, and remains a city landmark (SamHistMakers).

Artistic and Symbolic Features

Hughes’ Queen Victoria statue is notable for its scale, detail, and symbolism. The Queen is depicted seated, orb and sceptre in hand, in a style both authoritative and approachable. The original Irish base, inscribed “Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India, erected by her Irish subjects,” reflects the complex colonial context (Irish Post). Its current position outside the QVB highlights the monument’s ongoing civic significance.

Visiting the Queen Victoria Statue: Hours, Tickets, and Tips

Location: Corner of George and Druitt Streets, Sydney CBD
Access: The statue is outdoors and accessible 24/7.
Entry Fee: None. Viewing the statue and plaza is free (Evendo).
Queen Victoria Building hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM (Queen Victoria Building Official Site).
Getting There:

Train: Town Hall Station (5-minute walk)
Bus: Multiple routes stop on George Street
Car: Parking at Wilson Parking, 455 George St (rates vary)

Accessibility:

Wheelchair accessible (ramps, lifts, smooth pavements)
Public restrooms are available inside QVB

Tips:

Early mornings and evenings are best for photography and fewer crowds
The statue is beautifully illuminated at night
The adjacent Islay the Skye Terrier statue (originally interactive) is popular with children

Nearby Sydney Historical Sites

Queen’s Square: Location of the original Boehm statue
Sydney Town Hall: Victorian-era civic hub
St. Andrew’s Cathedral: Sydney’s oldest cathedral
Hyde Park: Historic urban park with monuments
Westfield Sydney & Pitt Street Mall: Premier shopping and dining nearby
The Strand Arcade: Heritage shopping arcade (Tour by Transit)

Role in Sydney’s Heritage and Public Memory

The Queen Victoria statue is a living symbol of Sydney’s colonial past and its ongoing dialogue with history. Once a rallying point for imperial celebrations, today it also invites reflection on Australia’s evolving identity (Yale Center For British Art). Its journey from Ireland and enduring presence in Sydney’s urban fabric highlight how public monuments can acquire new resonance across generations and cultures (SamHistMakers).

Queen Victoria Statues Worldwide: Comparative Context

Sydney’s statue is one of many Queen Victoria monuments worldwide, each shaped by local history and politics—in Hong Kong, Singapore, Penang, and beyond (SamHistMakers). While some remain heritage icons, others have been reinterpreted or removed in response to changing public attitudes.

Practical Visitor Information & FAQ

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Queen Victoria statue?
A: Accessible 24/7; QVB hours are 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (Mon–Sat), 11:00 AM–5:00 PM (Sun).

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, visiting the statue and plaza is free.

Q: Is the area wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps and lifts at the QVB.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Walking tours of Sydney often include the statue and QVB; check with local operators.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, and the statue is especially photogenic in early morning and evening light.

Q: What’s the best way to reach the statue?
A: Town Hall Station is the closest train stop; buses and parking are also available.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Queen Victoria statue at Sydney’s QVB offers visitors a unique window into the city’s colonial history and artistic legacy. Free and open to all, it is an ideal starting point for exploring Sydney’s rich array of historical sites, from grand civic buildings to vibrant shopping precincts. Capture its beauty in the early light, join a guided tour, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this lively urban plaza.

Enhance your visit by downloading the Audiala app for audio-guided tours and further historical insights. For the latest visitor information, consult the Queen Victoria Building website and City of Sydney tourism resources.