Australian War Memorial |
The iconic Canberra building is undergoing a $550 million redevelopment.
The Memorial has marked a major milestone by officially opening its new Main Entrance.
Entry is free and tickets are not required.
The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive.
The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war or on operational service and those who have served our nation in times of conflict.
Its mission is leading remembrance and understanding of Australia's wartime experience.
New main entrance and Oculus
Fairbairn Cresent, Campbell
The memorial's new entrance lies beneath the heritage forecourt, with views over Lake Burley Griffin toward Parliament House from the redesigned Parade Ground.
The Oculus, its stunning central skylight, is a mathematical inversion of the dome of the Hall of Memory - the heart of the building, which houses the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.
The nine-metre-wide window both illuminates the main entrance foyer and orients visitors by providing views up to the iconic dome and the main building.
Anzac Hall and Anzac Atrium
Opening in 2026, the redevelopment will include several major new galleries dedicated to contemporary conflicts, meaning the memorial's exhibitions will soon extend from Gallipoli to Afghanistan and beyond. Anzac Hall - whose roof, designed by Cox Architects, is inspired by the Australian Army's "rising sun" badge - will house exhibitions on Iraq, Afghanistan and various peacekeeping operations on its lower level. On the upper level, "G for George" - a Lancaster bomber that completed 89 missions over Germany and occupied Europe between 1942 and 1944 - will return as the highlight of a new gallery devoted to Australians in RAF Bomber Command.
The new hall will connect to the main building via Anzac Atrium, a light-filled space under a glass roof showcasing previously unseen artefacts. These range from a German V-2 (or Vergeltungswaffe Zwei, "Vengeance Weapon Two") rocket and Meillerwagen trailer for super-long-range artillery, used by the Nazis in the Second World War, to a CH-47D Chinook tandem-rotor helicopter that supported the Australian Army during operations in Afghanistan.
The full redevelopment is due for completion in 2028.
Source: broadsheet.com.au
Visit the Memorial
Exhibitions
The Memorial's galleries contain our permanent exhibitions dedicated to periods of conflict in Australia's history, as well as our ever-changing temporary exhibition spaces.
Free Tours
A great way to discover the Memorial
Our tours are led by our passionate volunteers. Choose from 30, 60 and 90 minute tours, which variously include highlights of the entire Memorial, or specific galleries.
Building Features
Our historical building itself is something to explore. Find out the significance and commemorative role of different parts of our incredible building, and special galleries such as Anzac Hall.
The Australian War Memorial was voted the number one landmark in Australia by travellers in the 2016 Trip Advisor awards.
Come and see why.
❊ Address ❊
⊜ Fairbairn Cresent, Campbell 2612 View Map
✆ Telephone: 02 6243 4211
❊ What's On ❊
Coming to Australian War Memorial..➼ Australia in the Great War
➼ Australian War Memorial | Open Hours
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Australian War Memorial
➼ www.awm.gov.au
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