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.