Royal Naval House

Royal Naval House stands at 32-34 Grosvenor Street with a Federation Free Classical design featuring three upper stories and an ornate facade.

The building opened in 1890 through public funding to provide accommodation for sailors, becoming a central facility that housed up to 1,500 men during World War II.

Superintendent John Samuel Shearston established reading rooms, dining areas, billiard rooms, and gyms, creating a social center for naval personnel.

The building now functions as a commercial space within the Grosvenor Place complex, offering modern office configurations and meeting facilities.

Sailors nicknamed the building 'Johnny's' and referred to its bar as 'the snakepit', terms that became part of naval vocabulary.

Location: City of Sydney

Architects: Varney Parkes

Address: 32–34 Grosvenor Street, Sydney NSW 2000

GPS coordinates: -33.86320,151.20690

Latest update: March 24, 2025 05:23