Olympic Torch, 1956 - Canberra, ACT, Australia
S 35° 17.571 E 149° 07.279
55H E 692896 N 6092416
This Olympic Torch, from the 1956 Melbourne Australia Games, is in the Nstional Museum of Australia.
Waymark Code: WM10111
Location: Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date Posted: 02/05/2019
Views: 6
An Olympic Torch, from the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, is in a display case near the entrance of the National Museum of Australia at Canberra, titled 'The Trophy Cabinet'.
"Competitions, especially sporting ones are an integral part of Australian life. Local, National and International tests of skill, merit and ability have long instilled Australians with a sense of national pride. Our successes and failures in all forms of contests are an enduring topic of popular debate and a reflection of the state of the nation. Sports, particularly, become more than games. They are the arenas in which our hopes, histories and identities are played out.
"When Melbourne hosted the Olympic Games in 1956, Australia was on show to the world. The performance of Australia's sporting heroes, of the host ciry and, by extension, the whole country were cause for national celebration. The London Evening Standard proclaimed, 'Waltzing Matilda danced divinely today. Australia really turned it on. She came of age in the field of sports organisation'." [From the display notice.]
The National Museum of Australia has the following concise description of the 1956 Olympic Flame in 'the Trophy Cabinet':
"A silver and gold coloured metal trophy with display case. The trophy features a gold coloured hand protruding upward from a square marble base clasping an olympic torch. The torch has a silver coloured handle with a gold coloured dome shaped flame. The flame has pin point holes in it. The gold done can be removed and reveals a socket for a light globe The light sockett is surrouned by red cellophane. Engraved text on back of hand reads 'Austin. E. Byrne / XVI Olympiad 1956 / Melbourne Australia'. Gold coloured metal letters fixed to Olympic torch read 'OLYMPIAD 1956 / OLYMPIA TO MELBOURNE / WITH THANKS TO THE BEARER'. The marble base is contained within a metal frame which has a gold coloured laurel wreath fixed to two opposite sides and the Australian Coat of Arms with crown at top fixed to two remaining sides. Four gold coloured kangaroos are fixed to each corner of the base. The dark coloured timber frame display case has glass panels on the front and sides and a solid timber back with internal mirror. The internal base is lined with green fabric. The case has four turned timber legs on corners." (
visit link)
Address: Lawson Cres, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm
Visited: 1317, Saturday, 1 September, 2018
Visit Instructions:
You must have visited the site in person, not online. Please post at least one original photo of the waymark and describe your visit and any recollections you may have from the games or athlete. It is not required to include your GPSr or yourself in the photo, but you are free to do so, if desired.