60th Anniversary 1941–2001

The Australian War Memorial was opened on 11 November 1941, commemorating the sacrifice of all Australians who have died in war. Its focus is the Hall of Memory, Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, Pool of Reflection, and Roll of Honour (listing the names of more than 102,000 Australian servicemen and women who have died in war).

The Memorial is also internationally recognised for its world-class exhibitions and extensive collection of art, relics, photographs, film, and sound. It has new and dynamic galleries including ANZAC Hall, Aircraft Hall, Second World War, Orientation, and Post–45 Conflicts galleries. These multi-million dollar galleries have a multitude of stories that are engaging, interesting, reflective, and uplifting.

The Director of the Memorial, Steve Gower, says the Memorial is history in the making: "It speaks to all Australians, occupying a central place in the understanding of our heritage."

60th anniversary events

2001 marked the 83rd observance of Remembrance Day and the 60th anniversary of the official opening of the Memorial.

As part of the Memorial's 60th anniversary, Dr Peter Stanley, Principal Historian of the Memoral, presented a talk, "The Memorial and its people". Read a transcript and listen to a recording of the talk.

Listen to Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Blainey deliver the Blainey Oration to mark the 60th anniversary of the Memorial.

Origins of the Memorial

Two men, above all others, moulded the Memorial: Charles Bean, Australia's official historian of the first world war, and John Treloar, the Director of the Memorial between 1920 and 1952.

Charles Bean

When war correspondent Charles Bean first sent news to Australia of Australian troops at Gallipoli, no one could have imagined the impact he would have in shaping both the Memorial and the nation. As he witnessed ordinary people perform extraordinary feats, he realised these acts of courage and sacrifice had to be remembered – not only to help families grieve but also for the memories of these men and women to live on in the hearts and minds of future generations of Australians.

Now and then

Bean envisaged the Memorial as a place to commemorate, not glorify, the sacrifice made by Australians who fought and died at war. Gillian Freeman reflects on the Memorial's begininnings.