What's behind the hoardings?

The Memorial’s First World War galleries are currently undergoing some necessary construction work before the new exhibition is installed. On Tuesday 13 August, The Australian War Memorial’s Council received an exclusive tour behind the hoardings of the First World War galleries. Luckily for us, the Memorial’s photographers were also there to capture the moment and the progress of the redevelopment.

Dressed in their construction hats and high-vis vests, the Memorial’s Council members and the Memorial’s Director, Dr Brendan Nelson, listen to conservator, Alana Treasure, as she explains the conservation process being used on the iconic dioramas.

The Western Front gallery looks very different now that the original structure of the building has been exposed.

Katherine McMahon, Head of Exhibitions and Project Manager for the Redevelopment of the First World War galleries, explains to Council members how the Ascot boat will be placed into a floor cavity to allow visitors to look inside the priceless boat.