Open House Melbourne: Alternate visions for Victoria's war memorial

A century ago, a public design competition resulted in the grand architecture of the Shrine of Remembrance. The building was officially opened in 1934—90 years ago this year—and now stands as one of Melbourne’s most iconic monuments. But the current design, with its striking grandeur, is dramatically different to alternative visions that were proposed for Victoria’s National War Memorial.

As part of Open House Melbourne, this program will reveal some of the alternate visions that were proposed for the memorial. Talks delivered by renowned Melbourne architectural experts Dr Katti Williams, Professor Julie Willis and Professor Philip Goad will unpack the alternatives to the Shrine, the architects behind them, and consider how art and architecture can shape remembrance.

Guests will then be guided on a 40-minute tour of the Shrine that will highlight key architectural features of both the original Hudson and Wardrop design and the Ashton Raggatt McDougall redevelopment in 2014.

Schedule:

• 11.40am – Professor Philip Goad will discuss the Shrine’s place in the history of architectural competitions, the entries by Harold Desbrowe-Annear and Edward Billson, and the role the architects played in the beautification of the city of Melbourne.
• 1.30pm – Dr Katti Williams will address the second-place winning design by competitor William Lucas and his role in the controversy which erupted after the Shrine of Remembrance was selected.
• 3.15pm – Professor Julie Willis will discuss the overseas experiences of competitors Arthur Stephenson, Percy Meldrum and Donald Turner, and the practice they built, which had a profound effect on Melbourne’s architectural landscape.

Important information to read before you attend:

• No bookings are required. Capacity is on a first come, first served basis.
• Entry for this event is via the Shrine’s Education Centre (Find a map here). Please arrive 10 minutes before the talk start time.
• There will be three different 20-minute talks throughout the day. The content of the tour will be the same throughout the day.
• A moderate level of fitness is required for the tour element of this program. It involves walking on paved areas with some small inclines. Covered and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Come prepared with a hat, sunscreen and water in hot weather and suitable clothing for cold or rainy weather.
• At 4.45pm, a commemorative Last Post Service will be held to honour members of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, many of whom designed war cemeteries and memorials to honour fallen Australians overseas. All are welcome to attend.