Victoria's principal war memorial, a monumental granite structure completed in 1934 and modelled partly on the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, honouring Victorians who served in war.
The Shrine of Remembrance on St Kilda Road was built between 1928 and 1934 with funds raised largely by public subscription from returned servicemen and the Victorian public, and was formally dedicated in November 1934 in memory of Victorians who served in the First World War. Architects Philip Hudson and James Wardrop drew on the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the Parthenon for the stepped pyramidal roof and Doric colonnade, giving the granite Sanctuary a classical, temple-like gravity. Inside, the Stone of Remembrance is inscribed with the words "Greater love hath no man", and once a year, at 11am on 11 November, a shaft of sunlight through an aperture in the roof falls precisely across the word "Love" in a ceremony known as the Ray of Light, replicated daily by an electric light for visitors outside Remembrance Day. Beneath the original Sanctuary, underground galleries added in the 1980s and expanded since house the Galleries of Remembrance, displaying uniforms, medals, weapons and personal artefacts from the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and more recent conflicts, alongside an eternal flame and a Second World War forecourt memorial added in 1954. The shrine remains an active site of commemoration as well as a museum, with interpretation moving thematically through Victoria's involvement in each major conflict.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10AM-5PM, last entry 4:30PM (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day) |
| Address | Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004 |
Why it matters
As Victoria's state war memorial, the Shrine of Remembrance commemorates the more than 114,000 Victorians who served in the First World War and remains the focal point of the state's Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Location
Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004
-37.8305, 144.9735 View on map
Highlights
- The Sanctuary and Stone of Remembrance inscribed with "Greater love hath no man"
- The Ray of Light ceremony recreated daily at 11am
- Underground Galleries of Remembrance with WWI to Vietnam-era artefacts
- Panoramic views over Melbourne from the Sanctuary balcony
- Second World War forecourt memorial and eternal flame
Tips for visiting
- Start in the underground Galleries of Remembrance before ascending to the Sanctuary for context on the exhibits above
- Time a visit for 11am to see the daily Ray of Light demonstration
- Entry and the balcony lookout are both free, making it an easy stop combined with the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens
- Free guided tours run several times daily and are worth joining for the building's symbolism
- Dress respectfully, as the shrine remains an active site of remembrance ceremonies
Frequently asked questions
Is the Shrine of Remembrance free to visit?
Yes, entry to the Sanctuary, galleries and balcony is free, though donations are welcomed.
How long does a full visit take?
A visit covering the Sanctuary, underground galleries and balcony typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Can children visit the Shrine of Remembrance?
Yes, the site is family-friendly, with accessible displays and open grounds, though some galleries contain confronting imagery of war.
Is the Shrine wheelchair accessible?
The Sanctuary and underground galleries are accessible via ramps and lifts, though the exterior forecourt steps require using a side accessible entrance.