Anzac Memorial facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anzac Memorial
Australia
Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park, Sydney
For the Australian Imperial Force dead of World War I
Unveiled	24 November 1934 (1934-11-24)
Location	33°52′32″S 151°12′39″E / 33.87556°S 151.21083°E / -33.87556; 151.21083 Hyde Park, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Designed by	Bruce Dellit Rayner Hoff
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name: Anzac Memorial; War Memorial Hyde Park; Hyde Park Memorial
Type:	State heritage (built)
Criteria:	a., b., c., d., f., g.
Designated:	23 April 2010
Reference #:	1822
Type:	War Memorial
Category:	Monuments and Memorials
Builders:	Kell & Rigby

The Anzac Memorial is a special place in Hyde Park South, right in the heart of Sydney, Australia. It's a war memorial, a museum, and a monument all in one. This amazing building was designed in the Art Deco style by C. Bruce Dellit. Its outside is covered with powerful sculptures by Rayner Hoff. The memorial was built between 1932 and 1934 by Kell & Rigby. It's considered a very important historical site in New South Wales.

This memorial is where people gather for important events like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. It was first built to remember the brave soldiers of the First Australian Imperial Force who fought in World War I. People started raising money for it on April 25, 1916. This was the first anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landing at Anzac Cove during the Battle of Gallipoli. The memorial was officially opened on November 24, 1934, by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. Later, in 2018, it was updated and expanded, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex reopened it.

History

Who lived here first?

Long before the memorial was built, Aboriginal people lived in the Sydney Harbour area. Evidence shows they were here at least 25,000 years ago. The Gadigal people, part of the Darug nation, were the traditional owners of the land where the Anzac Memorial now stands. It's thought that the southern part of Hyde Park was once a "contest ground." Here, Aboriginal warriors would hold trials of skill and strength. It's interesting that such an important war memorial is on a site with this history.

What does "Anzac" mean?

The word "Anzac" started as an acronym, which is a word made from the first letters of other words. It stood for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I. Soon, it became a word on its own. The Anzacs were part of a large force sent by Britain and France. Their mission was to invade the Gallipoli Peninsula and open up the Dardanelles Straits for the British Navy.

The Australian Anzacs showed incredible courage at Gallipoli. Their bravery became a famous part of Australian military history. After leaving Gallipoli, the Anzac soldiers fought against Germany on the Western Front. The Light Horse troops protected the Suez Canal and fought in the Middle East. On Anzac Day in 1918, Australian soldiers helped stop a German advance at Villers-Bretonneux. They were known as strong fighters and played a key role in breaking through the Hindenburg Line.

Australia had about 4.5 million people at the time. A huge number, 416,809, joined the army and navy. This was about half of all men of military age. Sadly, 60,000 Australians were killed and 167,000 were injured. This was a higher proportion of losses than any other British Empire country. It's no wonder that those who returned wanted to remember their fallen friends.

The first Anzac Day in New South Wales was organized by the Returned Soldiers Association (RSA). This group was formed by soldiers who had returned home. Later, it became the Returned and Services League (RSL). The goals for Anzac Day were to remember fallen comrades, encourage young men to join the army, and raise money for a memorial. The NSW Premier, WA Holman, promised to double the money raised on the first Anzac Day. In 1917, the RSL asked for April 25 to be a public holiday. Both the Queensland and Australian governments made it a public holiday in 1921. New South Wales officially made it a public holiday in 1925.

How memorials changed in Australia

Historian Ken Inglis says that war memorials in the 20th century changed. They started to focus on the human cost of war, not just victories. They celebrated the bravery of ordinary soldiers, not just their leaders. Many memorials listed the names of both those who died and those who returned. This idea of listing all soldiers was unique to Australia. It showed that Australia's forces were made up entirely of volunteers.

Each major city in Australia built its own main memorial. Many smaller ones were built in suburbs and regional areas too. Some of the main memorials and when they were built include:

• Darwin Cenotaph, Darwin – 1921
• War Memorial, Hobart − 1925
• State War Memorial Cenotaph, Perth – 1928–1929
• Shrine of Remembrance, Brisbane – 1930
• National War Memorial, Adelaide – 1931
• Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne – 1928–1934
• ANZAC Memorial, Sydney – 1934
• Australian War Memorial, Canberra – 1941

Earlier memorials were often simple pillars or statues. Later ones, like the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and the Anzac Memorial in Sydney, were grand buildings. They had rooms for exhibitions and offices. These newer memorials showed a deeper meaning of remembering war. The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne is very similar to the Anzac Memorial. Both have a main space for remembering, surrounded by other rooms, all within an impressive building.

Planning the Anzac Memorial

In 1918, the RSL set out what they wanted for the memorial:

• It should honor those who died.
• It needed to be a beautiful building.
• It would have offices to help war widows, children, and returned soldiers.
• It would store records of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF).
• It would be a meeting place and help with soldiers returning home.
• It would be a center for future campaigns to help AIF members and their families.

After 1919, all war memorial committees in New South Wales had to get advice from a special committee. This committee included experts in town planning, architecture, and art. An early idea to build the memorial on Observatory Hill was dropped. This was because it would be too close to the roads for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The idea to use part of Hyde Park for the memorial was pushed by Norman Weekes. He was a former city surveyor who was redesigning Hyde Park. He planned two main paths, one north-south and one east-west. He thought the middle of these paths would be perfect for a memorial column. He also imagined the Anzac Memorial at the park's southern end. However, building the memorial was slow. It wasn't until 1923 that a law was passed to create a board of trustees and choose the site.

In 1929, the trustees got approval for Weekes' plan. But the area for the memorial had to be small. The Advisory Board for Hyde Park chose the southern end of the park. Some groups, like the National Council of Women, didn't like this spot. They thought it wasn't grand enough. Artist Julian Ashton also pointed out that tall buildings would soon block its view.

Around this time, another war memorial was given to Australia by JF Archibald. It was to honor Australia and France's friendship in World War I. This memorial, the Archibald Fountain, was finished in 1932. It was placed at the northern end of Hyde Park. This was just as work began on the Anzac Memorial at the southern end.

There were many discussions about the memorial's style. Soldiers generally wanted a useful building with offices. Women's groups preferred a beautiful, symbolic structure. After ten years of debate, the RSL and other veteran groups agreed in 1928. They decided the building "should be commemorative rather than utilitarian." This meant it would be a "shrine of remembrance." However, one-seventh of the money was still set aside for offices for returned soldiers' groups.

The Cenotaph, Martin Place

Because of the delays with the Anzac Memorial, Sydney needed a place for Anzac Day ceremonies. Around 1925, the government gave 10,000 pounds for a cenotaph in Martin Place. This was where wartime rallies had been held. It was also where people honored the dead on Armistice Day in 1918. The Sydney Cenotaph was dedicated on August 8, 1927. It became the main spot for Anzac Day ceremonies for eight years. Sydney's Anzac Day Dawn Service stayed at the Cenotaph because it was already the accepted site.

Designing the Anzac Memorial

A competition to design the memorial started on July 13, 1929. Architects from Australia could enter. They could also work with an Australian sculptor. The building cost was limited to 75,000 Australian pounds. Besides the memorial, it needed office space for veteran groups.

The judges received 117 entries. They chose seven for a second look. In February 1930, the winners were announced. Third prize went to Peter Kaad, second to John D. Moore, and the winner was Bruce Dellit. The company chosen to build it was Kell & Rigby. Many people thought Dellit's design was the best.

Dellit submitted a model and 17 drawings. He said his design was inspired by "ENDURANCE COURAGE AND SACRIFICE." He explained that the main sculpture, "Sacrifice," was placed in a lower chamber. This was so visitors would "bow their heads" to see it, encouraging quiet reflection.

Bruce Dellit, the architect

Charles Bruce Dellit was born in Australia. He studied architecture in Sydney from 1912 to 1918. He became a registered architect in 1923 and started his own business six years later. Before winning the Anzac Memorial competition, he designed Kyle House. This building showed his interest in American Art Deco skyscrapers. Dellit, along with Emil Sodersten, helped bring the Art Deco style to Australia. Dellit used more decoration and symbols, while Sodersten focused on shapes and materials. Many famous Art Deco buildings in Sydney were designed by these two.

For the Anzac Memorial, Dellit used sculptures and architecture to show the sadness of losing so many young men. The sculptures changed when Rayner Hoff joined the project. Hoff made the imagery stronger. He replaced Dellit's original ideas with figures representing all parts of the armed services. The Pool of Reflection, which mirrors the building, was Dellit's idea. It invites people to stop and remember.

The central sculpture, "Sacrifice," is Hoff's work. But the powerful design of the interior is Dellit's. Dellit used grand staircases to lead visitors up to the Hall of Memory. There, people must look down into the Well of Contemplation to see "Sacrifice" below. Or they can look up at the dome, covered with 120,000 golden "Stars of Memory." Each star represents a serviceman or woman from New South Wales. Dellit's architecture and Hoff's sculptures work together to create a strong emotional message.

Many people consider the Anzac Memorial Dellit's greatest achievement. It's seen as a perfect example of Art Deco in Australia. Dellit died of cancer in 1942, just eight years after the memorial opened.

Rayner Hoff, the sculptor

George Rayner Hoff was born in 1894 on the Isle of Man. He worked in a stonemason's yard as a teenager. He later studied art and design. In 1915, Hoff joined the army and served in World War I. After the war, he studied sculpture in London. In 1922, he won the Prix de Rome, a famous art award.

Hoff came to Sydney in 1923. He became the head teacher of sculpture at East Sydney Technical College. He also had his own studio. Hoff had a huge impact on Australian sculpture. By the end of the 1920s, he had trained many talented sculptors. In 1925, he created reliefs for the Dubbo War Memorial. In 1927, he designed sculptures for the National War Memorial in South Australia.

In 1930, Dellit asked Hoff to design the sculptures for the Anzac Memorial. This became the most important work of Hoff's career. He created 16 seated and four standing figures of servicemen and women. He also made four corner reliefs and two long bronze panels above the doors. Inside, Hoff designed the 120,000 gold stars on the dome. He also made four relief panels showing the "march of the dead" and the marble wreath around the Well of Contemplation. Hoff and eight assistants worked on the memorial from 1931 to 1934.

Hoff made sure to include women in the memorial. This included nurses and women who lost family members in the war. Women are central to the "Sacrifice" sculpture. Hoff explained in 1932 that thousands of women lost everything. He wanted to show them "carrying their load, the sacrifice of their menfolk."

Hoff's other public sculptures in Sydney include a relief of Mercury in Transport House. He also made sculptures in Emil Sodersten's City Mutual Life Building. Despite his success, Hoff faced controversy over some unbuilt sculptures for the Anzac Memorial. He died young in 1937.

Builders and materials

The trustees wanted the memorial built with Australian materials and by Australian workers. The main builders, Kell & Rigby, hired returned servicemen. Many other companies also worked on the memorial. These included structural engineers, masons who carved the wreath, and companies that supplied granite and glass. The central "Sacrifice" sculpture and bronze panels were made in London. However, the flame around the sculpture and bronze grilles were made in Australia. Kell & Rigby made the bronze nails for the doors.

Changes during construction

Originally, Dellit wanted the memorial built of sandstone or synthetic granite. But it was actually built with red granite from Bathurst, New South Wales. The base and stairs were also covered in granite.

In 1932, Dellit added four stones from battlefields in Gallipoli, France, Palestine, and New Guinea. These were placed in the floor of the Hall of Memory. The names of major battles were added to the walls. The dome of stars was also a late addition. This idea helped raise money when the project needed more funds. The RSL sold 150,000 stars for two shillings each. Although they didn't sell all of them, 120,000 plaster stars were gilded and fixed to the ceiling. Each represented a volunteer from New South Wales.

Other changes included using unpolished marble for the interior walls and polished marble for the floors. The doors were originally planned to be bronze but were changed to maple wood with bronze nails due to funding. Dellit wanted different designs on each amber window. But a new design was chosen for all windows, combining the AIF symbol with eternal flames.

Dellit always planned for the offices at the base of the building to become part of the memorial later. These offices had wooden joinery and floors. The light fittings were shaped like stars, matching the dome. Dellit added an Assembly Hall on the eastern side. This room could seat 130 people and was for ex-servicemen's groups.

The inscriptions Dellit planned for the memorial were also changed. Experts decided against most of Dellit's many labels. Some surviving inscriptions include those on the foundation stones. These say "A soldier set this stone" and "A citizen set this stone." At the western entrance to the Hall of Silence, it says, "Let Silent Contemplation be Your Offering." A list of major battles was also kept. The dedication statement simply says, "This Memorial was opened by a son of the King on 24th November 1934."

The landscaping also changed a lot. Dellit planned narrow water gardens. But as the building grew, the water features needed to be larger. The cascades were removed, and the pool was extended to 52 meters long and 22 meters wide. The City Council completed the landscaping. Money for this came from the Unemployment Relief Fund. The Council agreed to keep an open space around the memorial. They also planted poplar trees along the pool to represent the French battlefields.

Opening Ceremony, 1934

About 100,000 people attended the opening of the Anzac Memorial on November 24, 1934. The ceremony aimed to show that the building was for everyone. The Duke of Gloucester gave the dedication speech. The Anglican Archbishop of Sydney gave a prayer.

To help people understand the memorial, the Trustees published "The Book of the Anzac Memorial" in 1934. A magazine called Building also featured the memorial, explaining its details and meaning.

Offices at the memorial

The veteran associations with offices in the Anzac Memorial helped members with applications and medical needs. Each office had a counter, a waiting area, and other spaces.

By the mid-1930s, the offices were already crowded. The situation got worse when World War II veterans needed services in the 1940s. The RSL moved to Anzac House nearby in 1957. Other groups also moved or returned later. The Limbless and Maimed Soldiers' Association stayed in the memorial as long as its members were alive.

How views of the memorial changed

Less than five years after the Anzac Memorial opened, Australia was in World War II. People wanted to add symbols for this and later wars. But it was hard to do this without changing the original design.

Even without changes, people started to see the Anzac Memorial as a memorial for all wars. It also became a symbol during protests, like those against the Vietnam War. In the late 1960s, it was a rallying point for anti-war marches.

In 1984, a law officially recognized that the Anzac Memorial honored men and women from New South Wales who served in all wars. Governor Sir James Rowland rededicated the building on November 30, 1984.

That same year, a "museum" or exhibition space was created. It teaches the public about Australia's wars and those who served. A permanent photo exhibition called "Australians at War" opened and became very popular with school groups and tourists.

In 1995, a Remembrance Flame was added to the Hall of Memory. The flame is lit for several hours each day.

The Anzac Memorial is often called "a unique statement of architectural and sculptural unity." It's seen as the best example of Art Deco in Australia. More and more people visit it, especially schools. The memorial continues to inspire Australians to remember those who fought for the nation.

Centenary Extension

On August 22, 2016, work began on a $40 million upgrade. This extension was a key part of the Centenary of Anzac celebrations. It marked 100 years since the end of the First World War.

The extension brought to life architect Bruce Dellit's original ideas for the Memorial. It added new underground exhibition and education spaces. Premier Mike Baird said this would help future generations honor those who fought for our freedom. The work was done by Built and funded by both the NSW and Australian Governments.

The upgrades included:

• A large waterfall feature on the south side, with a new entrance and walkway.
• The Hall of Service: This includes a major artwork by Fiona Hall. It has 1,701 soil samples from every NSW town and suburb that sent soldiers to World War I.
• The Oculus: This is a round opening above the Hall of Service, looking out to the memorial's exterior.

The extension was designed by JPW Architects and opened on October 20, 2018. In 2020, it won the Sir John Sulman Medal, a top award for public architecture in NSW. It also won the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture nationally.

What the Memorial looks like

The Anzac Memorial is made of concrete and covered with pink granite. It has a large square shape with Art Deco steps and supports. Each side has a big arched window of yellow stained glass. The roof is stepped, like a ziggurat. It sits on a cross-shaped base that holds offices and a small museum. The inside is mostly white marble. The domed ceiling has 120,000 gold stars, one for each person from New South Wales who served in World War I.

You can enter the main hall by wide stairs on the north and south sides. Ground-level doors on the east and west lead to the lower section. The main feature inside is Rayner Hoff's large bronze sculpture called "Sacrifice." It shows a fallen soldier held up by three female figures, representing his mother, sister, and wife. Two other sculptures planned for the outside were never installed. The building's exterior has bronze friezes, carved granite panels, and twenty stone sculptures by Hoff. These symbolize military personnel.

North of the memorial is a large rectangular "Lake of Reflections." It's lined with poplar trees. These trees are not from Australia but symbolize the battlefields in France. Original plans included similar pools on other sides, but they were not built.

The memorial setting

The Anzac Memorial is in Hyde Park South. It's a key part of the line that connects it and the Pool of Reflection to the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park North. You can see the memorial clearly from many spots in Hyde Park South. A line of fig trees highlights the main path. The stepped shape of the memorial can also be seen from Oxford Street.

The trees around the memorial are very meaningful. The Aleppo pine trees symbolize Lone Pine Ridge at Anzac Cove in Turkey. Other special trees, like the Gallipoli Rose, have been planted nearby. The 14 poplar trees by the Pool of Remembrance were planted in 1934.

The pool was renovated in 1992 to make it waterproof. This work was done along with paving around the memorial and waterproofing the steps.

Between the Pool of Reflection and the memorial stairs are two rows of flagpoles. These are used on Anzac Day and other special occasions. Flags fly permanently throughout the year. The three on the east show the NSW flag, and the three on the west show the Australian flag. The flagpole on the memorial itself is for the Governor's Flag and is only used when the Governor visits.

The outside of the building

The Anzac Memorial was designed to be a grand sculpture. It is perfectly balanced on both sides. It uses features like those in old gothic churches (supports, tall windows, high ceilings) but in an Art Deco style. Grand staircases lead up to the main level. The railing around this level has stone urns. Large wooden doors slide into the walls to let people in. The ground floor has wooden windows and bronze security grilles. A granite band runs around the building.

The outside of the memorial has many sculptures. These represent different Australian armed forces and support units. They are like guardians, watching over the building and representing those who died. Between the seated figures are stone reliefs. The four large standing figures at the top of each corner represent the Australian Infantry, Navy, Air Force, and Army Medical Corps. Sixteen more seated figures are below them, representing various units. These include a Naval Signaller, Aviator, Nurse, and Lewis Gunner. They are made to look like they were carved from the building's granite. Above the east and west entrances, bronze reliefs show Australians fighting in different war zones.

A dark pink coating was put on the outside statues in the 1980s. This changed their original look, which was meant to seem carved from the stone.

The inside of the building

The main entrance from the ground level is on the western side. The entrance area is covered in white marble. Two wooden cabinets are built into the walls. In the ceiling is a large brass "Star" light, designed by Dellit.

This entrance area has glass doors leading to offices and an exhibition space. It also opens to the Hall of Silence. Originally, there were two stairwells connecting the upper and lower levels. One of these has been changed into a lift, built in 2009. This lift helps older veterans and people with disabilities reach the Hall of Memory. The other stairwell has a bronze, Art Deco skylight with amber glass. Both stairwells are lined with marble. A bronze handrail was added in 1997.

At the edge of the Stair Hall is a barred entrance to the Hall of Silence. A heavy bronze railing blocks access to the "tomb" of the fallen soldier. At the entrance, engraved in black granite, are the words "LET SILENT CONTEMPLATION BE YOUR OFFERING."

At the top of the stairwell is a marble-framed niche. It holds the original wreath placed by the trustees when the building opened.

Hall of Silence

This room is in the center of the building and is very powerful. It's round, with the "Sacrifice" sculpture in the middle. The floor is white marble with a bronze flame design. The ceiling curves up to a carved marble railing called the "Well of Contemplation." This opening lets natural light shine onto the "Sacrifice" sculpture below. The top edge of the room has a marble frieze carved with the names of major battles where Australians fought.

The room has three large wooden doors that slide into the walls. Two of these doors are now always open. Glass doors allow visitors to see the "Sacrifice" sculpture from the exhibition space and Assembly Hall.

Sacrifice

At the very heart of the memorial is the bronze sculpture, "Sacrifice," by Rayner Hoff. It strongly represents the sacrifices made in war by both soldiers and their families. You can see the sculpture from above through the Well of Contemplation. You can also see it from the ground level through the vestibule, Assembly Hall, and Exhibition space. It's even visible from Hyde Park through the glass doors.

Hall of Memory

The "Hall of Memory" is a round room directly above the "Hall of Silence." The large external staircases lead to this level. The room is covered in marble. In the center is the marble railing around the "Well of Contemplation," shaped like a wreath.

In the four "corners" of the room are "Niches of Remembrance." Each is for a major area where Australians fought in World War I. They list the names of important campaigns. At the bottom of each niche is a headstone from Flanders, Gallipoli, Palestine, and New Guinea.

Above the niches are marble reliefs by Rayner Hoff. These represent the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Army Medical Corps. Hoff called them "The March of the Dead." The high ceiling is a large dome covered with 120,000 gold stars. These stars represent every man and woman from New South Wales who served in the Great War. The room's height is emphasized by four tall stained-glass windows.

To the west of the Hall of Memory are the internal stairs. To the east is the Remembrance Flame Room. This room was originally meant to list the names of the 21,000 NSW people who died in World War I. The entrance has carvings and symbols like "1914–1918" and a flaming sword. The Remembrance Flame was first lit on November 11, 1995. The doors to this room are kept open so the flame can always be seen.

The exhibition space

The exhibition space is in the southern office area, which was originally for the RSL. In 1986, changes were made, including removing small offices. The original strong room with its security door is still there. The museum displays items donated by the public. These include letters, medals, diaries, uniforms, and souvenirs from various conflicts. In 2009, the space was updated, and a new exhibition was installed.

The Assembly Hall

This hall is on the eastern side of the memorial. It was designed as a large open space for meetings. Recently, it was divided into smaller spaces. But it has been restored and reopened to the public. It now has new glass doors and a large screen showing a film about the Memorial. It can also be used for traveling exhibitions.

The room's design is more decorative than the offices. It has Art Deco details, including a molded ceiling and plaster columns. A set of gold-painted doors opens to reveal the "Sacrifice" sculpture. The room has marble door frames and "star lights" designed by Dellit. The floors are made of red mahogany wood.

Offices for veteran associations

The northern side of the Anzac Memorial originally had offices for the TB Soldiers Association and the Limbless Soldiers Association. These offices had wooden floors and counters. The public could access them through a tiled corridor. The offices have been changed over the years. The Limbless Soldiers Association moved out in 2004, and the RSL has used the area since then. The original strong rooms are still kept in these areas.

Basement

The basement has toilets for men and women. The original wooden lockers are still used by staff. The basement has been changed a bit, but many original features like toilet partitions and doors are still there. In 2009, a new disabled toilet was added. Two light wells originally provided fresh air and light. Now, they also hold the air conditioning system. The basement floors are terrazzo.

Undercroft and security screens

The undercrofts are under the external stairs. They were meant for storage but were often damp. In 1992, a waterproof layer was added to fix this. The north undercroft now stores original unused furniture.

In 1999, external security screens were installed to protect the memorial from vandalism. These glass panels have etched designs that match the memorial's theme. When lowered, they are almost invisible, allowing public access.

The great doors and windows

There are ten sets of large doors in the building. All are double sliding doors made of solid wood with brass fittings. The outside doors are green on the outside and gold inside. They slide into the walls. The doors are decorated with carvings of urns, eternal flames, swords, and crosses, all symbolic of the memorial. These doors were repaired and repainted in 2006.

Moveable heritage

The memorial has many artifacts, souvenirs, and tributes. These are displayed in the museum or stored on site. They have all been donated by the public.

Mechanical and electrical systems

In 2009, the building's systems were updated. This included new air conditioning, lighting, and security systems. Many original electrical fittings are still used, including Dellit's "star lights."

Condition

As of 2010, the memorial was in very good condition after many years of repairs. Water leaking into the building had been a problem since 1934. In 2009, this was fixed by changing the drainage system.

Archaeology

The historical potential of the site hasn't been fully studied. Hyde Park was once Australia's first race course and cricket pitch. It's also thought that the northern part of Hyde Park was a "fighting ground" for Aboriginal people. Evidence from these uses might still exist, though construction of the railway and memorial likely disturbed it.

The Anzac Memorial is very well preserved. It still has many original parts, including the wreath laid by the Duke of Gloucester.

Wreath

The memorial holds several important items. These include the wreath, a railing designed by Bruce Dellit, two large plaster models of the building, and some original furniture.

Heritage listing

As of September 19, 2011, the Anzac Memorial is very important to New South Wales history. It shows the deep sadness felt by people in NSW after World War I. Fundraising for it began on the first anniversary of the Gallipoli landing. It's also linked to returned soldiers and groups like the RSL, who pushed for its creation and had offices there.

The Anzac Memorial is also beautiful and a great example of Art Deco design in Australia. It's the result of amazing teamwork between architect Bruce Dellit and sculptor Rayner Hoff. Its symbols add to the memorial's meaning. The Pool of Reflection and poplar trees were designed by Dellit. Its location in Hyde Park, connected to the Archibald Fountain, makes Hyde Park and Sydney special.

The Anzac Memorial is the biggest and most ambitious war memorial built in NSW after World War I. It's also NSW's part of the "national war memorials" built in each state capital after the war. Among these, the Anzac Memorial stands out for its size, completeness, and beauty.

The Anzac Memorial was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 23, 2010, because it met several important criteria.

It shows the history of New South Wales. The Anzac Memorial is important because it shows the collective grief of NSW people for soldiers lost in World War I and other conflicts. It was authorized by law in 1923 and is a major place for Anzac Day celebrations since 1941. Its construction also provided much-needed jobs for veterans during the Great Depression. The Lake of Reflection was built with money from a special unemployment fund.

It is linked to important people or groups in NSW history. The Anzac Memorial is important because it's linked to the Gallipoli landing on April 15, 1915. This event greatly shaped Australia's identity. An Aleppo Pine tree from Lone Pine at Gallipoli is planted near the memorial, strengthening this link. It's also linked to returned servicemen and their groups like the RSL. These groups pushed for the memorial and had offices inside it. The memorial is also important because of its architect Bruce Dellit and sculptor Rayner Hoff. Both are famous for their work on this building, which is considered one of Australia's best Art Deco buildings. It's also linked to Anzac Day and the march that starts at the Cenotaph.

It shows great artistic or technical skill in New South Wales. The Anzac Memorial is a great work of public art and a top example of Art Deco design in Australia. It's the result of amazing teamwork between Bruce Dellit and Rayner Hoff. Its symbols add to the building's meaning. It has been praised for its "unity of architecture, carving and sculpture." Rayner Hoff's sculptures are called "a masterpiece of craftsmanship." The memorial's landscape, including the reflection pool and poplars, was also designed by Dellit. Its location in Hyde Park makes it a key feature of Sydney.

It has a strong connection with a community or cultural group in New South Wales. The Anzac Memorial is a major place for public remembrance of Australians lost in war. Its building helped people accept the term "Anzac" and the legend behind it. It's still a key part of Anzac Day each year. Its sculptures are important for honoring the role of women in war, which was rare in the 1930s. The Returned Soldiers Association wanted the memorial to be "A lasting memorial... that shall quicken the blood of future generations." The Anzac Memorial provides an important place for people to remember together.

It is rare or unique in New South Wales. The Anzac Memorial is rare because it's an impressive and complete example of Art Deco public architecture. It's also a rare example of deep teamwork between an architect and an artist. It's unique as the grandest and most monumental war memorial in New South Wales.

It shows the main features of similar places in New South Wales. The Anzac Memorial is the largest and most ambitious war memorial built in New South Wales after World War I. It's a great example of commemorative architecture and Art Deco design. It's also NSW's contribution to the group of "national war memorials" built in each state capital after the war. Among these, the Anzac Memorial stands out for its size, completeness, and beauty.

See also

• ANZAC Memorial (Israel)
• Australian War Memorial – Australia's national war memorial and museum in Canberra
• El Alamein Fountain
• HMAS Sydney I – SMS Emden Memorial
• Hobart Cenotaph – Hobart's main war memorial
• National War Memorial (South Australia) – Adelaide's main war memorial
• Regimental Square
• Shrine of Remembrance – Melbourne's main war memorial
• Shrine of Remembrance, Brisbane – Brisbane's main war memorial
• Sydney Cenotaph

Images for kids

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  A ten-meter-long bronze relief, over the west door by Rayner Hoff.

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  The other 10 m long bronze relief, over the east door. These two sculptures illustrate the functions and activities of elements of the Australian Imperial Force overseas.