What’s on at the Australian War Memorial

By Jemma Mrdak.

The Australian War Memorial is a world-class museum, shrine and an extensive archive of Australian war history. It is one of Canberra’s most iconic museums and memorials, and its mission is to assist Australians in remembering and understanding the Australian war experience, as well as its ever lasting impact on Australian society.

Throughout the months of autumn there are a variety of events happening at the Memorial, from art talks, behind the scenes tours and exhibitions – there are a variety of things on offer for everyone to enjoy.

Reality in Flames

Throughout the Second World War, modern Australian artists were busy at work. These artists served in the armed forces and were constantly observing, recording and interpreting military activities. Reality in flames is one of the first exhibitions to showcase how Australian artists responded to the Second World War, creatively. This exhibition consists of 90 works of art and includes works by leading artists such as Donald Friend, Frank Hinder and Albert Tucker.

Australia in the Great War – New Permanent Exhibition

One of the Memorials newest exhibitions, Australia in the Great War is on display in the First World War Galleries. This exhibition will take you on a great education trip, as it is displayed in chronological order, covering all major operations: Gallipoli; the Western Front, Sinai and Palestine; and the war at sea.

Afghanistan – the Australian Story

For over a decade both military and civilian Australian men and women have been serving in operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East. This exhibition shows some seriously powerful imagery of modern war, which is directly linked to current Australian war history.

Admission to the Memorial is free, and we guarantee you’ll need at least an entire day to get through everything!