The Soldiers Memorial Hall in Ipswich is an impressive building that includes a museum open once a month to the public. The hall occupies a site that was the ‘pumpyard’ water source for the growing city back in the mid-1800s.
Today this architectural landmark continues to serve as a meeting place for returned soldiers and a variety of community groups, and it houses a fascinating museum of war-time artefacts, art and honour roll boards.
A large memorial stained-glass window by William Bustard can be seen from the second storey.
The hall was built by the citizens of Ipswich in honour of the men who gave their lives in the Great War (1914-1918). The ornate and stately three-level building was designed in a variant of Edwardian Boroque by prominent architect George Brockwell Gill whose work from the era can be still be seen dotted across the heritage city.
A series of paintings in the museum by husband and wife artists Basil and Wendy Gay capture heart-wrenching war-time scenes. These and the countless photos and artefacts housed here shed light on many aspects of war-time Australia.
The museum is open on the last Sunday of every month from 9am-3pm. Phone 3281 4159.
To find more to do and see in the heritage city check out this list of 75 things to do in Ipswich.
