Bendigo Military Museum
Arts & Culture - Artisans & Galleries Bendigo CBD
Hours:
Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays: 11am-3pm. *Group bookings available outside of these hours by appointment.
Step inside the Bendigo Military Museum and explore a world where every artefact tells a story: feel the weight of a soldier’s gear, hear the roar of gunfire in the trenches, cry over a letter sent home to a loved one, and reflect on the sacrifices that our local heroes have been making on behalf of their communities for over a century.
Description
The BMM is more than a building or collection of artefacts - it's a place for people to connect, learn, and reflect together. Our world-class exhibits are designed to be accessible and captivating for visitors of all ages and we host a series of temporary exhibitions, programs and community events throughout the year.
We also offer guided tours and workshops by appointment, to ensure an enriching experience for students, clubs, history enthusiasts, and families alike.
The history behind our iconic building:
Originally built to commemorate the thousands of local men and women who served during the Great War, the iconic Soldiers Memorial Institute was opened by the Earl of Stradbroke on the 15th November 1921, and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register due to its social and historical significance to the State of Victoria.
It is also listed as architecturally significant as its iconic dome provides an 'unusual example' of a Memorial that was designed to accommodate a full band rotunda on its roof!
The series of brass Honour Rolls on the front of the Memorial lists the names of 2,972 local heroes, including 42 nurses, and was unveiled on ANZAC Day 1926. At least 499 of the people listed on the Rolls lost their lives during WW1, never returning home to our beautiful City and their loved ones.
Admission to the museum includes access to temporary exhibitions:
Adults: $12
Concessions/RSL Members: $8
Students: $5
Under 12: FREE
Family Pass: $30 (2 adults and 2 children)
Open Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays 11am - 3pm, or by appointment at other times for school and community tours and workshops
37-39 Pall Mall, Bendigo VIC 3550 Australia
Directions
Travelling by car from Melbourne: driving north along the Calder Hwy, you will arrive at the Alexandra Fountain at the heart of Bendigo's CBD in around 2 hours. Continue for 100 meters and you will find the Bendigo Military Museum on your left hand side.
From Bendigo Railway Station: when you exit the station turn right and follow the footpath until you reach the roundabout. Turn left onto Mitchell Street and walk downhill for approximately 550 meters until you reach Alexandra Fountain. Cross Pall Mall and the Bendigo Military Museum is the first building on your right.