Shrine of Remembrance : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia, the Shrine of Remembrance is a place of recognition and remembrance for Australians who served in wartime. Constructed during World War I, the Shrine symbolizes the commitment and courage of Australian servicemen and women who have served in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. This sacred memorial pays homage and respects those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It also serves as an educational and historical centre for anyone wishing to discover more about the inspiring stories of Australia’s servicemen and women. This travel guide will provide you with information on the Shrine’s history and important facts, and will guide you along your journey to the Shrine of Remembrance.

Interesting Facts About Shrine of Remembrance

1. The Shrine of Remembrance was designed by two WWI veterans, Peter Corlette and James Wardrop, who had a vision to create a place to remember and honour those who served in the Great War.

2. The Shrine of Remembrance was initially planned to be situated in Kings Domain, adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. The Shrine was eventually opened, in 1934, in its current location on St Kilda Road

3. The Shrine of Remembrance is the largest war memorial in Australia and one of the largest in the world. It features several architectural features and a central sanctuary with its wall of remembrance.

4. The design of the Shrine of Remembrance was inspired by the Acropolis in Athens and consists of a range of geometric cuts which allude to different symbols including that of the Australian Army.

5. Inside the Shrine there are several memorials which commemorate the participation and sacrifice of the Australian military forces throughout Australia’s history.

6. Since its completion, the Shrine of Remembrance has become a place of great significance to the Australian people, and the building has featured heavily in films and television.

7. Every year over 220,000 people, including members of the armed forces, visit the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

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History & Information About Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is a memorial located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia that commemorates the service and sacrifice of Australians in war and peacekeeping. Constructed between 1928 and 1934 as a war memorial to the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I and dedicated by King George V on 11 November 1934, the Shrine is Australia’s largest war memorial.

The Shrine was designed by architects Philip Hudson and James Wardrop. Its design was inspired by the Tomb of Mausolus. Wardrop, an Edinburgh-born architect, was resident architect at the Public Works Department of Victoria at the time, and Hudson was later to become director of the Melbourne department. The Shrine is built of a quick-setting cement and reinforced concrete shell. It has a central Hall of Memory, which contains a marble mosaic floor with the words “Greater Love Hath No Man”.

The Shrine of Remembrance was opened to the public for daily visitation in 1958. It is the centrepiece of a 250 acre park on St Kilda Road in Melbourne’s Southbank. It houses a museum and library as well as gallery-style displays and exhibitions. The site also includes a Garden of Reflection, an eternal flame, thirty-six stone columns representing the Victoria Cross, a flagstaff and courtyards.

The Shrine also includes a memorial library containing manuscripts, books and 5,000 photographs. The Service of Remembrance is held every year on ANZAC Day (25 April), the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Shrine of Remembrance

1. Hours of Operation: The Shrine of Remembrance is open 365 days a year, from 9am until 5pm daily, with the exception of Good Friday, when opening hours are 11am until 5pm.

2. Getting There: The Shrine of Remembrance is located in the heart of Melbourne, on St Kilda Road just five minutes drive from the city centre. The closest public either is St. Kilda Road/Domain Interchange, which is approximately a five-minute walk from the Shrine.

3. What to See: Tourists to the Shrine can enjoy a journey through Australian military history by taking a self-guided audio tour of the building and the exhibition galleries and learning about the events which have shaped our nation’s history. Guests can also explore the Shrine gardens and pay their respects at the Roll of Honour, a memorial which lists the names of over 102,000 Australians who have died on active service.

4. Events and Programs: Commemorations, ceremonies and special events are held throughout the year at the Shrine, with the Anzac Day Service being traditionally the most attended. Additionally, the venue holds art exhibitions, workshops, performances and other educational programs for students and adults alike.

5. Food and Drinks: There is no food outlet at the Shrine of Remembrance, however visitors can bring their own water and snacks to enjoy over the course of their visit.

6. Accessibility: The Shrine of Remembrance is a wheelchair -friendly building boasting easy access ramps, lifts, wheelchairs and comfortable seating. High-frequency induction loops are available throughout the facility for guests who are hard of hearing.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shrine of Remembrance

Q: What is the Shrine of Remembrance?

A: The Shrine of Remembrance is a war memorial in Melbourne, Victoria that honours Australians who have served in war or peacekeeping operations. It is a place of remembrance and reflection, featuring the Crypt, memorials, galleries, an education centre, and a research library.

Q: When was the Shrine of Remembrance built?

A: The Shrine of Remembrance was built in 1934 and opened in 1934 by the then Governor-General, Lord Stonehaven.

Q: What services are offered at the Shrine of Remembrance?

A: The Shrine of Remembrance offers a variety of services including public tours, educational exhibitions and programs, commemoration ceremonies, research services, and legal advice for veterans and their families.

Q: Is there an admission fee to visit the Shrine of Remembrance?

A: No, admission to the Shrine of Remembrance is free for everyone.

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