Visitor Centre

The Visitor Centre was the creation of architects Ashton Raggott McDougall. The requirement for improved physical access was addressed by creating a new entrance at ground level and two gently sloping courtyards that would allow all to enter the Shrine.The creation of the Visitor Centre at the Shrine of Remembrance is the most significant development to the building in its 75 year history.

The construction commenced in April 2002 following the recognition by the Trustees that an orientation and education facility was needed at the Shrine – to provide the opportunity for all members of the community to learn about the Shrine and the sacrifice our servicemen and women.

Officially opened in August 2003, the new Visitor Centre provides improved access to the Shrine for the elderly and the disabled. The use of the external steps and northern doors will now only be used for ceremonial purposes.

The visitor centre provides 2000m2 of extra space for permanent and touring educational displays and exhibits. It incorporates an auditorium, administration facilities and public conveniences.

Entrance Courtyard 

The Entrance Courtyard has the words ‘Lest We Forget’ etched onto one wall, The inner walls of the Entry Courtyard are inscribed with the words Lest we forget, with the opposite wall featuring a quote from Sir William Deane’s speech made on ANZAC Day 1999, when he was Governor General of Australia.

The walls, constructed in a zig-zag pattern, are tinted in an ochre colour similar to the soil of central Australia. The architects took their inspiration for the walls from the sharp edges of a bomb crater and the slit trenches that were excavated during the Second World War in the Shrine Reserve. The courtyard walls tilt towards the central axis of the Shrine as do the walls of the original Shrine. They are inclined to meet at a point 2.25 kilometres above the earth.

At the entrance to the Visitor Centre a glass wall features red abstract patterning which is based on the red poppy, the first flower to grow in Northern France after the First World War had ended.

The entry courtyard has been sponsored by the RACV as a gift to Victoria to mark its Centenary.
 

Garden Courtyard

The Garden Courtyard, located within the bounds of the
original Shrine, has been designed in response to the First World War. The mature Legacy Olive Tree, transplanted from the Shrine Reserve, is the centrepiece of the garden design. Many of the plants in the Garden Courtyard have been selected because they are native to the Mediterranean in which Australians have served.

Stone paved surfaces have been chosen to refl ect the cliffs of Gallipoli. A section is paved with recycled timber in reference to the jetties from which Australian soldiers embarked to go to war and on which they landed on the other side of the world.

The pavement design also represents the movement from the shadow of the First World War into light. The thin green line of Balmoral Green granite on the pavement separates dark from light and traces the line of shadow cast from the courtyard wall at 11.00 am on Remembrance Day, 11 November each year. This device recalls the Ray of Light ceremony in the Sanctuary, created similarly to mark this moment on Remembrance Day.

The external stone finishes of the courtyards have been completed in Tynong Granite, excavated from the same region as the original stone used to construct the Shrine.

Gallery of Medals

The Gallery of Medals includes a symbolic display of 4,000 service medals selected to represent the major conflicts and peacekeeping operations of the twentieth century. Each medal represents 100 Victorians who have served Australia in war and peacekeeping, and six who have died.

The Gallery of Medals is comprised of three interpretive displays. Follow these links to read more.

Gallery of Medals

Recognising courage - The Victoria Cross

Recognising courage - Award for valour

The Gallery of Medals has been sponsored by the Returned and Services League of Australia, Victorian Branch.
 

Audio-Visual

A seven minute audio-visual outlines the reasons for the existence of the Shrine, the extent of Victoria’s contribution in wartime and peacekeeping and for its continuing relevance in our society.

The audio-visual strongly links the events of the past to Victorian’s today. Links between the service people of the First World War those who would be serving today if called upon to do so, and those who still feel the legacy of loved ones who have died in earlier conflicts.

An overview of the features of the Shrine is included to assist visitors in understanding the scope that their visit to the Shrine can offer.

The auditorium in which the audio-visual can be viewed has been sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Victoria.

Read more about the Audio-Visual

Hall of Columns

The Hall of Columns connects the Visitor Centre to the original building, taking the visitor through the Shrine’s foundation piers into the Crypt and the interior of the Shrine. The Hall is intended to provide a transition from the busy and lively Visitor Centre into the calm of the commemorative interior. It is made up of 30 brick columns which form part of the foundations of the Shrine.

The Hall of Columns is also used for permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Education Centre

The Education Centre was opened in November 2005 by the State Premier, Steve Bracks. Schools can be oriented for their visit to the Shrine and partake in curriculum based activities within the centre. Student activity rooms have been fitted out to represent the activities of the Navy, Army and Air Force.