Australian War Memorial

"The Australian War Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of Australian men and women who have served in war, through its ceremonial areas, extensive exhibitions and research facilities. The focus of commemoration is the Hall of Memory, together with the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, the Pool of Reflection and the Roll of Honour that lists the names of over 102,000 Australians who have died in war.

The Memorial is internationally recognised for its exhibitions, that cover over 12,000 square metres, which present stories of Australia?s military history from colonial times to the present. The Memorial?s Research Centre holds an unrivalled collection of private and official records relating to war and significant holdings of books, newspapers and journals.

Commemorative works and sculptures are sited in the grounds of the Memorial, particularly in the Sculpture Garden on the western side of the building. In the Research Centre, on the ground floor, visitors are encouraged to look up family members, research military history, watch films and view photographs and works of art online. Visitors can also access the Memorial?s many databases online via the Memorial?s website. The Memorial also holds a vast collection of official war art by artists such as Drysdale, Streeton, Nolan, Tom Roberts and more recently Wendy Sharpe and Rick Amor

In the last five years the Memorial has undergone an extensive redevelopment program resulting in new galleries, such as the Second World Gallery, Bradbury Aircraft Hall and a hands on Discovery Room for children and school groups. ANZAC Hall, the Memorial?s newest exhibition space was opened in June 2001. ANZAC Hall contains a vast collection of military technology, including the Japanese Midget Submarine that attacked Sydney Harbour in 1942. The Sydney Under Attack 'object theatre' presentation uses light, sound, photos and film to re-create the attack. The presentation runs hourly each day from 11am. Also on show is Australia?s oldest military aircraft - the Deperdussin, a First World War Mark IV tank, an Iroquois helicopter from Vietnam and a virtual re-enactment of Australia?s first naval victory in 1914."

Collections

The Memorial's collection reflects Australia's participation in armed conflicts in many parts of the world. These include colonial wars in New Zealand and the Sudan, the South African War, the Boxer Rebellion in China, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesian Confrontation, the Vietnam War and modern peacekeeping operations, including the Interfet Forces in East Timor. The collection includes a wide range of objects: sculptures, paintings, uniforms, medals, badges, flags, weapons, aircraft, vehicles, battlefield relics, photographs, film, sound recordings, official records, private papers, maps and ephemera.

Planning a visit?

Address:

Treloar Crescent

Campbell

ACT

Tel:

02 6243 4211

Opening hours:

Every day 10.00am - 5.00pm, ACT and NSW School Holidays 9.00am - 5.00pm. Closed Christmas Day.

Admission:

Free, but a donation is appreciated.