Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is a national memorial, museum, and archive in Canberra, Australia's capital. It remembers all Australians who have died because of war, including those on peacekeeping duties. It stands in the suburb of Campbell, and its grounds hold five buildings and a sculpture garden.

Plans for it began soon after the First World War, and the memorial was officially opened to the public in 1941. The main Memorial Building is designed in an Art Deco style with Byzantine and Egyptian touches. In 1993 the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier was placed inside its Hall of Memory. The museum is open every day except Christmas Day.

What can visitors see?

The museum has galleries about the World Wars and many other conflicts, as well as special halls such as the Aircraft Hall and the Hall of Valour. The courtyard has a reflecting pool and arched cloisters, with stone lions from the original Menin Gate given by the Mayor of Ypres in 1936. Steps at the end of the pool lead up to the Hall of Memory, where the tomb lies.

What ceremonies are held here?

Every day the memorial holds a Last Post Ceremony at closing time. There are also big national services on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. Over the years the memorial's focus widened. At first it was meant to remember only the First World War, but in 1939 the Second World War was added, other wars in 1952, and all Australians who died in conflict in 1975. A new gallery planned for 2028 will cover the Frontier Wars.

On the globe

The model shows Australia's national memorial and museum, with the Byzantine-domed Hall of Memory where the Unknown Australian Soldier lies.