Sydney Observatory is located on Observatory Hill at Millers Point. This heritage listed observatory was designed by Alexander Dawson and James Barnet and built in 1858 in the Victorian Free Classical architectural style. It was essential to shipping, navigation, meteorology, timekeeping and the study of stars seen from the Southern Hemisphere. The central tower features a weather vane and a time ball, which signalled the time to ships and to the General Post Office in Martin Place. It is still raised to the top of its post and dropped at exactly 1pm every day. Government Astronomers worked and lived in the building until 1982, when it became part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.
I love your neck of the woods. The snails are rather fun. I've visited two places with such. One had cows, the other moose sculptures. Your architecture photos are great to see. I enjoy them, having grown up in a big city, Toronto.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're getting on top of the fires. What a scary time for folks.
Cheers from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
Luckily we had some rain yesterday so some of the fires are under control.
DeleteHi Jim, The Sydney Conservatory is a wonderful building. Thinking of it's age, it is so well preserved. Nice photo.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, very interesting this ancient observatory!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo Jim.
ReplyDeleteNeat building, I like the weathervane and time ball. Cool it is still in use!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you've had some rain, Jim!! This is a terrific building and such interesting history! It does look great for it's age -- guess a lot of us would like that!!! Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteinteresting architecture.
ReplyDeleteWith all the technological advance since it was built, it's wonderful the old building has been kept up. Such a deep blue sky behind!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great looking building
ReplyDeleteExtremely interesting history. We went to the royal observatory in Greenwich and really enjoyed that.
ReplyDeleteInteresting - thanks for sharing history and great photos from the Sydney area, Jim!
ReplyDeleteA very informative post, Jim! Great history and a lovely building. I posted one of James Burnet's lighthouses today!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a grand old building!
ReplyDeleteThis sure looks great place to see the stars.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting vintage building, Jim!
ReplyDeleteI look over it everyday but have yet to go up close and visit. Great photo..
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I see that tiny spot of red! ;)
ReplyDeleteRed Cactus Close-up
Absolutely lovely structure. There is a classical design here without too much ornament. Very nicely captured as well.
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