Designing Remembrance

13 August 2024 - August 2025

Step back into history and witness a lively debate of the 1920s come to life. Our latest exhibition commemorates the 90th anniversary of the Shrine of Remembrance, offering a nostalgic experience that, for the first time, delves into the forgotten designs for Victoria's War Memorial.

Explore the entries of the 1921 War Memorial design competition, each a testament to the social and political tapestry of that time. From grand monuments to humble sanctuaries, you'll discover the different visions that once competed for a place in the heart of Victoria. Reflect on the questions that challenged Victorians of yesteryear: should a memorial honour the past or herald the future? Should it be grandiose or modest, solemn or hopeful? Decide for yourself whether the Shrine of Remembrance was the best choice for the National War Memorial of Victoria.

Offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the past, visitors can examine detailed plans, conceptual drawings and correspondence, and eavesdrop on conversations between designers and builders from the 1920s, gaining insight into the creative process behind the Shrine's inception.

As we celebrate the Shrine's 90th anniversary, this exhibition serves as a poignant reflection on the roads not taken. Join us in rediscovering the untold stories behind the designs that paved the way for the enduring legacy of the Shrine of Remembrance.

Designing Remembrance: The Podcast

From accusations of architectural plagiarism to spats over the function of the memorial, uncover the trials and tribulations of the design competition and the architects involved in this special podcast series.

This podcast is also available on Spotify (opens in a new window)and other streaming services.(opens in a new window)

Lippincott & Billson, Desbrowe-Annear
Listen as Professor Philip Goad uncovers the plans of fourth-placed architects Roy Lippincott and Edward Billson, along with those of one of the sixth-placed architects, Harold Desbrowe-Annear.
Stephenson, Meldrum & Turner
Listen as Professor Julie Willis explores the proposals of third-placed architect Donald Turner, and the fifth-placed design by Arthur Stephenson and Percy Meldrum.
Lucas
Listen as Dr Katti Williams unpacks the second-placed design by William Lucas, and the controversy that followed when he wasn't crowned the winner.
Hudson & Wardrop
In this episode, Dr Katti Williams shares the story of the architects behind the Shrine, Philip Hudson and James Wardrop, and how their military service impacted their thinking for the memorial.