The eleventh hour, the eleventh day, the eleventh month. Every year at this exact time we remember those who gave us the greatest gift: freedom. We remember and acknowledge their sacrifice, their love for the country.

On 11.11.1918 the armistice of World War One was signed. From Victoria’s total population of 1,500,000, 89,100 people served overseas, and of these 19,000 did not return. 1

Victoria decided to honour its heroes, the ones who lost their loved ones, and the ones who came back home with scarred souls and bodies. A War Memorial Committee was established, and their decision was for a monument to be built in the memory of those who defended our freedom.

Australia; Melbourne; Shrine of Remembrance. The beginning of the construction works.

The Shrine [art original], 1935. Drawing by Annois, Len; H91.290/10

In March 1922 the Executive Committee adopted the recommendation of ‘The Grange’ as the most suitable site for the monument. ‘The Grange’ was the high ground at the corner of St. Kilda and Domain Roads. The site was perfectly suited for purpose. The monument would be visible from most suburbs and from Port Phillip Bay. It was also in full view of the city centre. 2

The Shrine of Remembrance picture from afar.

The Shrine, 1954. Kelso, Allen;  H2015.58/18

The design would be determined by a competition advertised world-wide but restricted to artists and architects regarded as Australians or British residents in Australia. The cost for the monument was not to exceed £250,000. 3

Eighty-three designs had been submitted by architects from Australia, UK, USA, New Zealand, Gallipoli, South Africa and Italy. The winners were Philip Burgoyne Hudson and James Hastie Wardrop from Melbourne. They were both returned soldiers. Huston had had two brothers killed in action. Wardrop had won the Military Medal in the big offensive of August 1918. 4

The architectural style is based on the Tomb of King Mausolus of Caria and belongs to the Halicarnassos family of monuments. A much loved and important feature of the Shrine is a ray of sun that moves across the Stone of Remembrance centering on the word LOVE at precisely 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. The Stone of Remembrance in the floor of the Inner Shrine is the heart of the Memorial. 5

The Foundation Stone of the Shrine was laid on 11 November 1927 and the Shrine of Remembrance was officially dedicated on 11 November 1934.

The Shrine grew over the years as Australians bravely fought in other wars which threatened our freedom, our country. The Second World War Forecourt was dedicated in 1954. Here we can find The Eternal Flame that was lit by Queen Elizabeth II during the 1954 dedication ceremony. The flame is always burning, symbolizing eternal life for those who have served. 6

Cenotaph, the 12.5 metre pillar in the Forecourt supports statuary representing six men in the battle-dress of the Navy, Army and Air Services, carrying a bier on which lies a dead comrade. The names of the theatres of war where each of the services fought in World War 2 are inscribed on the pillar. In front of the Cenotaph is the Eternal Flame which was lit by Queen Elizabeth 2 in February 1954.


Cenotaph, Eternal Flame and flagpoles at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, 1955. Strizic, Mark; H2008.11/970

In the Shrine Reserve visitors can find several important monuments and memorials including:

The Gallipoli Memorial,

The Legacy Garden of Appreciation,

The Remembrance Garden-Post 1945 Memorial,

The Driver and Wipers sculptures which were originally on display outside State Library Victoria. The sculptures were moved to the Shrine Reserve in 1998.

Following every military operation in which Australia was involved a commemorative plaque was added in the Shrine Forecourt.

Remembrance tree in the Shrine Reserve at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance comemorating the 22nd Australian Infantry Battalion 1939-1945.

[Remembrance tree for the 22nd Australian Infantry Battalion 1939-1945 at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance], 1987. Rennie, Ellis;  H2012.140/72

The Shrine continues to innovate and to reinvent itself. It is always present, out there for the community. It provides extensive and interesting educational programs for everyone. It welcomes over 60,000 school kids every year, over one million visitors onsite and around two million online. It is an active voice in the community and carries the important mission of remembrance – LEST WE FORGET.

The Shrine is more than a museum, it is place that makes you feel embraced; by history and by a mix of feelings that take you on a journey from pain, to serenity and respect.  You are humbled when you understand that indeed GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN.

Special thanks to Katrina Nicolson, Exhibitions and Grants Coordinator, Shrine of Remembrance.

  1. Russell, WB, 1991, We will remember them: the story of the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, Shrine of Remembrance, p 6
  2. Russell, WB, 1991, We will remember them: the story of the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, Shrine of Remembrance, p 11
  3. Russell, WB, 1991, We will remember them: the story of the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, Shrine of Remembrance, p 12
  4. Russell, WB, 1991, We will remember them: the story of the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, Shrine of Remembrance, p 15
  5. Russell, WB, 1991, We will remember them: the story of the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, Shrine of Remembrance, p 16
  6. Shrine of Remembrance Trustees, 2011, Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne: honouring service and sacrifice, Melbourne: Shrine of Shrine Remembrance Trustees
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This article has 2 comments

  1. Luna Mae
    November 19, 2024 at 05:56
    Reply

    Lovely article Ana-Maria, truly amazing how the Shrine is approaching a century. Thanks for sharing the original drawing by Len, amazing! Hard to imagine how different the world would have been back then when it was imagined.

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