The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates (replica) by Walter McGill (c.1826-1881). 1870 (replica of an Athenian monument of 334 B.C.). Sandstone. Royal Botanic Gardens, near Farm Cove Sea Wall, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. [Click on the images to enlarge them.]
Sydney's Choragic Monument of Lysicrates is a faithful copy of the original, located near the Acropolis in Athens and dating from 334 B. C. The Corinthian-style monument, "one of the earliest and finest examples of the Corinthian Order" and a structure of "extraordinary charm" (Brooks 89), is a pillar honouring the trophy endowed by Lysicrates, the patron (Choragus) of the annual musical and theatrical performances held for the God of Wine and Spring, the Dionysia. The frieze in bas-relief graphically recounts the story of how the god Dionysius was captured by Tyrrhenian pirates, who suddenly found their vessel engulfed in vines and phantom beasts. As the terrified sailors leapt into the sea, Dionysius transformed them into dolphins. The monument's six fluted columns terminate in Corinthian capitals. The laurel leaves in the thatch of the cupola symbolize the Wine God's victory over his captors. Although there are over thirty replicas of the monument world-wide, McGill's is generally regarded as the most accurate, although it is slightly smaller than the original (see "Choragic Monument of Lysicrates").
Three times Premier of New South Wales, James Martin (1820-1886) had commissioned McGill in 1868 to carve the replica from Pyrmount Yellow Block Sandstone to adorn his private estate, "Clarens," at Potts Point. During World War Two, as the result of the construction of a graving dock on Martin's property between Potts Point and Garden Island, the monument was relocated to the Royal Botanic Gardens in 1943. Martin had had a passion for all things classical, and venerated the buildings pictured in Stuart and Rivett's The Antiquities of Athens (1762). He was particularly interested in this Athenian monument since his favourite poet, Lord Byron, had written verses inside the chamber of the monument (1810-11).
Photographs and text by Philip V. Allingham. You may use the images without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document or cite the Victorian Web in a print one.]
Bibliography
Brooks, Alfred Mansfield. Architecture. New York: Cooper Square, 1963.
"Choragic Monument of Lysicrates." The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney. NSW Public Works. Web. Accessed 23 February 2026. www.publicworks.nsw.gov.au/projects/sydney/choragic-monument-of-lysicrates
Scarlett, Ken. "McGill, Walter." Australian Sculptors. West Melbourne, Vic.: Thomas Nelson (Australia), 1980. 394-95.
23 February 2026