Anzac Square & Memorial Galleries: A Tribute to Queensland's Service

Anzac Square, situated in Brisbane's central business district, stands as Queensland's primary war memorial, honoring Australian service personnel from all conflicts. The square was initially envisioned as a memorial for World War I, but it has since expanded to commemorate all conflicts and peacekeeping efforts involving Australia, from the Boer War to the present day. It serves as an important gathering place for significant commemorative events like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.The Anzac Square Memorial Galleries, located beneath the Shrine of Remembrance, offer an interactive journey through Queensland's war history from World War I to the present. Curated by the State Library of Queensland, the galleries feature digital displays of primary and secondary sources, focusing on the experience of war both at home and abroad. Visitors can explore over 10,000 items across three gallery spaces, including photos, letters, and diary entries.The parklands above ground feature the Shrine of Remembrance and the Eternal Flame. The Shrine, with its Grecian Doric colonnade, stands as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by Australian service members. The Eternal Flame burns continuously, symbolizing the enduring memory of their service. The square also features various statues and memorials dedicated to specific conflicts, including the Women's Memorial, the Boer War Memorial Statue, and memorials for the Southwest Pacific Campaign (WWII), Korea, Malaya and Borneo, and the Vietnam War. An Indigenous Memorial Statue was unveiled in May 2022.Visitors can enrich their experience by joining a free guided tour of the galleries. These tours explore the people, places, and stories that underpin the Queensland war experience. School tours are also available, providing an educational experience for students to learn about Queensland's military history.