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The Shrine of Remembrance at sunset. This image is collaged with different designs of what the Shrine could have been. The image on the top right features a tall monument light up in the dark. The bottom right is a large winged statue with a rectangular building behind it. The top left design is a large monument with a round amphitheatre in front of it. The design on the bottom left is a curved monument with arches.
The Shrine of Remembrance.
The Shrine of Remembrance.
William Lucas' submission to the design competition. His design features a large monument with a round amphitheatre in front of it.
Donald Turner's submission to the design competition. His design features a curved monument with arches.
The Shrine of Remembrance at sunset. This image is collaged with different designs of what the Shrine could have been. The image on the top right features a tall monument light up in the dark. The bottom right is a large winged statue with a rectangular building behind it. The top left design is a large monument with a round amphitheatre in front of it. The design on the bottom left is a curved monument with arches.

Shaping Remembrance: Exploring Alternative Visions for the Shrine

Description

A century ago, a public design competition resulted in the grand architecture of the Shrine of Remembrance. The building was officially opened in 1934—90 years ago this year—and now stands as one of Melbourne’s most iconic monuments. But the current design, with its striking grandeur, is dramatically different to alternative visions that were proposed for Victoria’s national war memorial.

Hear from a renowned Melbourne architectural expert and join a guided tour of the Shrine to uncover the varying proposals for Victoria’s war memorial. Explore how art and architecture can shape remembrance. 

You'll then have the chance to independently explore the Shrine’s new exhibition that delves deeper into the stories behind the design competition.

What's On

This program will reveal some of the alternate visions that were proposed for Victoria’s national war memorial. Hear talks delivered by renowned Melbourne architectural experts Dr Katti Williams, Professor Julie Willis or Professor Philip Goad, who will unpack alternatives to the Shrine and the architects behind them, and consider how art and architecture can shape remembrance.

At 11.40am, Professor Philip Goad will discuss the Shrine’s place in the history of architectural competitions, the entries by Harold Desbrowe-Annear and Edward Billson, and the role the architects played in the beautification of the city of Melbourne.

At 1.30pm, Dr Katti Williams will address the second-place winning design by competitor William Lucas and his role in the controversy that erupted after the Shrine of Remembrance was selected. 

At 3.15pm, Professor Julie Willis will discuss the overseas experiences of competitors Arthur Stephenson, Percy Meldrum and Donald Turner and the architectural practice they built, which had a profound effect on Melbourne’s landscape.

After each talk, guests will be guided on a 40-minute tour of the Shrine that will highlight key architectural features of both the original Hudson and Wardrop design and the Ashton Raggatt McDougall redevelopment in 2014. Each tour will have the same content. After the tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore the Shrine’s new exhibition, which examines the six shortlisted designs in further detail.

At 4.45pm, a commemorative Last Post Service will be held to honour members of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, many of whom designed war cemeteries and memorials to honour fallen Australians overseas.

Children's Activities

Learn about traditional architectural features of monuments and combine them to design your very own Shrine of Remembrance in this drop-in, self-guided activity.

Images: (1) The Shrine of Remembrance. Designs: William Lucas, Donald Turner, Ray Lippincott & Edward Billson, Arthur Stephenson & Percy Meldrum. Photo: Earl Carter. (2-3) The Shrine of Remembrance. Photo: Earl Carter. (4) 'A Place of Remembrance' by William Lucas was awarded second place in the design competition. Photo: courtesy of Shrine of Remembrance. (5) 'A Pylon' by Donald Turner was awarded third place in the design competition. Photo: courtesy of Shrine of Remembrance. (6) The Shrine of Remembrance. Designs: William Lucas, Donald Turner, Ray Lippincott & Edward Billson, Arthur Stephenson & Percy Meldrum. Photo: Earl Carter.

Important Details

Time & Date

Sunday 28 July
Talks commence 11.40am, 1.30pm + 3.15pm, followed directly by a tour. The combined talk and tour runs for 65 minutes. Capacity for the talk is 120 people. Attendees will be divided into smaller groups for the tour.

Commemorative service at 4.45pm

Please enter via the Shrine Education Centre (click here for exact location: https://shorturl.at/glsIW). Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time of the talk.

No food or drink allowed inside. Come prepared with a hat, sunscreen and water in hot weather and suitable clothing for cold or rainy weather. A moderate level of fitness is required for the tour element of this program. It involves walking on paved areas with some small inclines. Covered and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

ACCESSIBILITY

Partially wheelchair accessible, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking nearby, Elevator access, Audio loops

Location

Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3001

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