Downing Centre, Art Nouveau courthouse in Sydney, Australia
The Downing Centre is an eight-story courthouse building at 302 Castlereagh Street with multiple courtrooms serving local and district court proceedings. The complex includes a dedicated library and contains spaces for different court operations across its levels.
The building began as Mark Foy's Piazza Store and underwent modifications between 1927 and 1930. A major transformation into a courthouse complex took place in 1991.
The building reflects Arthur Anderson's work in the Art Nouveau style, with design details that visitors can observe throughout the spaces. The architecture shapes how people experience the place and tells a story of Sydney's architectural heritage.
The complex connects directly to Museum Station through a subway entrance on Castlereagh Street, making it easy to reach by public transport. Visitors should be prepared for security checks and confirm which areas are open to the public before visiting.
The floors retain original architectural details from its past as a department store, which remain visible throughout the modern courthouse spaces. These layered elements show how the building adapted to an entirely different purpose while its original character persists.
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