Virtual Tour of the Memorial
ANZAC Hall
ANZAC Hall opened on 7 June 2001. Exhibitions in ANZAC Hall make extensive use of "object theatre", where sound and light is used in innovative ways, and the objects themselves become screens to tell compelling stories of Australia's servicemen and women.
The exhibition consists of four main areas:
- Striking by night
- Sydney under attack
- Our first naval victory
- The ANZAC Spirit
Striking by night
For nearly 50 years visitors to the Australian War Memorial have been in awe of one of its most famous relics, the Lancaster bomber "G for George". The much revered aircraft was removed from public view as part of a $1 million demanding and specialised conservation project to ensure that "George" will last many more decades.
"G for George" is the centrepiece of the Memorial’s Striking by night exhibit . The exhibit integrates objects, light and sound to re-create a night operation that took place over Berlin in December 1943.
Avro Lancaster Mk I Bomber 'G for George'
RELAWM31788
Visitors are confronted with the tension and danger of the mission, as modern technology recreates the blinding searchlights, flares, anti-aircraft fire, and fighter attacks.
"G for George" is displayed along with three former foes: Messerschmitt 109, 163 and 262 fighters. The presentation of these three Messerschmitts in a single display is unique in the world and their inclusion will highlight the devastating impact enemy fighters had on the bombers flying over Europe.
360° Panorama featuring "G for
George" and a German
8.8cm Flak 18/36 dual purpose Gun,
RELAWM31788 and REL/03359.001
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Sydney under attack
On the night of 31 May – 1 June 1942, three Japanese midget submarines, launched from larger "mother" submarines lying off the coast, entered Sydney Harbour to attack Allied shipping. Two of the midgets were destroyed, but not before one of them sank the depot ship HMAS Kuttabul (a converted ferry), killing 21 naval ratings.
360° Panorama featuring the midget submarine and guns from HMAS Sydney I
and SMS Emden
RELAWM30104, REL/16788.001 and RELAWM05092
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The submarine on display in ANZAC Hall has been assembled from sections of two of the three submarines that raided Sydney and has become an icon of Australia's military history. The centre and aft sections are from the submarine that set off its demolition charge after it became entangled in the harbour defence boom net. The bow section is from the submarine that was depth-charged in Taylors Bay; its crew shot themselves to avoid capture.
The third midget submarine vanished, its fate a complete mystery until it was discovered by a group of amateur divers off Sydney's northern beaches in November 2006. It was this submarine that had sunk the Kuttabul during the raid.
Our first naval victory
This display describes the First World War battle between HMAS Sydney and the German raider Emden at the Cocos-Keeling Islands in November 1914. "Object theatre" is used to tell the story of what has come to be regarded as the RAN's first naval victory.
Guns of HMAS Sydney I and SMS Emden guns
in ANZAC Hall
REL/16788.001 and RELAWM05092
The ANZAC Spirit
The mezzanine level of ANZAC Hall contains a display that explores the spirit of ANZAC, and what it means to Australians today.
Landing Place Café
Also on the mezzanine is the new Landing Place café. The Landing Place offers snacks, à la carte dining and take-away service to the highest standards. The Landing Place and the Memorial's other café, the refurbished Outpost, are both operated by the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Construction of The Landing Place means that for the first time, refreshment facilities are available within the Memorial building.
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