Rose Brooks

Episode 832 – Sydney’s Grand Buildings Part 5: Random Architecture.

There were many gorgeous buildings that we passed en route to other gorgeous buildings, with no way to go into every one that we found interesting.

Many were heritage buildings, but we were also impressed with the modern architecture here, and how it both blends and contrasts with the historic.

There were even more that we could have photographed – and toured – especially in the area around Circular Quay, but those will just have to wait until our planned return in February of 2028.

What we did see was delightful.

The Three Wise Monkeys pub, located in a heritage-listed building constructed in 1879.
The kind of architectural mix that we so loved here: a 19th century building housing retail shops, backed by a new 29 story glass and steel office building.
In the Pitt Street high-end shopping district, Hermes is located in the historic 12-storey Trust Building, constructed between 1914 and 1916.
The 50m/164 ft tall Culwalla Chambers, built in 1912, was Sydney’s very first “skyscraper”. The ground floor now houses a Dior boutique.
The 1879 Victorian Italianate style King’s Hotel (far left with the turret) now houses a Ralph Lauren store. The two buildings beside it are also heritage listed.
The Victorian Renaissance style Department of Lands Building, with its multiple alcoves, pillars, and statues, was constructed in stages between 1876 and 1892. It has been repurposed as “The Lands by Capella,” a luxury precinct featuring dining, retail, and event spaces.
The heritage-listed Corn Exchange building, was completed in 1887. It is the earliest remaining market building in Sydney.
Darling Harbour’s skyline.
The W Hotel on Darling Harbour is just one of many, many examples of grand designs in Sydney’s modern buildings.
Even relatively plain buildings are made interesting. This mural depicts Jenny Munro, a Wiradjuri elder and housing activist, painted by acclaimed street artist Matt Adnate.
Sydney Town Hall, the largest and most ornate late 19th century civic building in Australia, is now an event venue renowned for its high Victorian interiors, massive pipe organ,and rich decoration. It was built in the late 1880s from local Sydney sandstone. Hopefully when we return to Sydney next guided tours will have been reinstated.
Town Hall from a different angle.
The Art Gallery of New South Wales’ Naala Nura building, is the original heritage-listed south building of the Art Gallery, constructed between 1896 and 1909. Naala Nura means “seeing Country” in Dharug.
The Australian Museum, the country’s first museum, was founded in 1827, and opened in this specific building in 1857.
The Neo-Gothic Registrar General’s Building, completed in1913, across from Hyde Park & St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Ted has commented a few times about the ubiquitous plaques embedded in Sydney’s sidewalks. We both thought that this particular plaque near the Botanical Garden was hilarious. There once was a grand building here!

As we finish packing for our flight to Kuala Lumpur, one more random coffee and dessert picture from this afternoon. I’m guessing that our afternoon tea/coffee breaks in Malaysia will look quite different.

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