ANZAC War Memorial, Sydney

ANZAC War Memorial, Sydney

Located in the southern part of Hyde Park, the ANZAC Memorial commemorates all fallen members of the Australian military.

Located in the southern part of Hyde Park, the ANZAC Memorial commemorates all fallen members of the Australian military. Originally built in 1916 –'34 as a memorial to the Australian Imperial Force of World War I, the serene monument is the focus of ceremonies on ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, and other important national occasions.

The 100 feet tall Art Deco structure was designed by C. Bruce Dellit, with sculptures by Raynor Hoff. Built on a square layout, the concrete building is clad in pink granite. Each face has a tall window with yellow stained glass, flanked by buttresses surmounted by granite figures of contemplative Great War heroes. The corners of the roof also have statues of an air force officer, lieutenant, matron, and naval commander. The east and west portals are surmounted by bronze bas-relief panels illustrating the activities of the 1st AIF. The rectangular Lake of Reflections in the north is flanked by rows of poplars which symbolize the French engagements of Australian troops.

The main focus of the white marble interiors is the Hall of Memory, which has a beautiful balustrade marking the edge of the Well of Contemplation. The well has 'The Sacrifice', a bronze sculptural ensemble of a young warrior who has made the supreme sacrifice, recumbent upon a shield supported by 3 women - his mother, wife, and sister. The 26 metre high domed ceiling of the hall features 120,000 gold stars, one for each of the men and women from New South Wales who served during World War I. The east wall has a niche known as the Flame Room, which has an eternal Flame of Remembrance burning on a pedestal. It is framed by the flags of Australia, New Zealand and New South Wales. The walls feature bas-relief panels depicting personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Army Medical Corps, with the souls of the fallen departing in the March of the Dead.