Memorial ticket bookings open to public

Visitors to the Australian War Memorial can now book free, timed tickets to gain entry to the Memorial’s galleries and Last Post Ceremony, as the Memorial prepares to reopen its doors to the public on Wednesday 1 July. 

As the ACT moves to ease COVID-19 restrictions, the Memorial will reopen to the public in accordance with a COVID-safe business plan and ACT government-recommended measures to prioritise the safety of staff and the public.

Visitors will need to book free, timed tickets to visit the Memorial to ensure social distancing can be properly maintained. Separate free, timed entry tickets to attend the Last Post Ceremony are also available.

Tickets can be booked through the Memorial’s website at www.awm.gov.au/visit.

Visitors to the Memorial will be able to access three booking options: 

1. Visit Museum galleries and Commemorative Area – this two-hour ticket provides access to the Memorial’s First World War and Second World War galleries, Conflicts 1945 to Today galleries, and the Commemorative Area.

2. Visit Anzac Hall galleries – this one-hour ticket provides access to the Memorial’s Anzac Hall galleries featuring G for George and the Japanese midget submarine.

3. Attend Last Post Ceremony – this one-hour ticket allows you to attend the Last Post Ceremony held daily in the Memorial’s Commemorative Area.

Visits to the Research Centre will be by appointment only.

Director of the Australian War Memorial Matt Anderson said staff are eager for the return of visitors after the Memorial has been closed to the public for more than two months.

“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the Memorial’s galleries, and we appreciate the patience shown in this time as we make arrangements to reopen.

“The safety of Memorial visitors and staff remains our key priority as we reopen on 1 July. Visitors will notice that we have made a few changes to our operations, but it is important that we all continue to play our part as we move through the stages of easing restrictions.

“I’m proud of the efforts of Memorial staff in preparing for the reopening, not only considering visitor health and safety, but also seeking to ensure the visitor experience remains as meaningful and memorable as always,” Mr Anderson said. 

The Memorial has a number of suggested itineraries on its website to assist people plan their visit. Visitors will need to register for each individual session.  

CONTACT:  Media team        02 6243 4575   0409 600 038            media@awm.gov.au

Suggested itineraries:

One-hour itinerary: Those with only  a short time to visit the Memorial can register for a ticket to visit the Anzac Hall galleries.

Half-day itinerary: Visitors with several hours to spend can visit the First World War and Second War galleries in the afternoon, then register to attend the daily Last Post Ceremony.

Full day itinerary: There is plenty to see for those who have a full day to visit the Memorial. Visitors can start with a visit to the popular First World War and Second War galleries, then pause for lunch or a coffee at Poppy’s Café. In the afternoon, visit the Anzac Hall galleries, then register a ticket to attend our moving daily Last Post Ceremony.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Important ticket information:

• Visitors must have a ticket to visit the Australian War Memorial. Tickets are free.
   
• A ticket permits access to the galleries and spaces defined on the ticket, at the specified time, for a timed duration. Visitors should review options carefully before making a choice. 
   
• Visitors are asked to arrive at the entry to the Australian War Memorial 10 minutes before their registered entry time. Those arriving later than the registered entry time may not be permitted access to the Memorial and the ticket may be re-allocated to another visitor.
   
• Visitors will be greeted on arrival by a Visitor Services Officer who will check tickets and provide a welcome and safety briefing. 
   
• During visits, the Memorial asks that visitors maintain 1.5 metre social distance, and observe the one-way directional flow in place throughout the galleries. Hand sanitiser will be provided throughout the Memorial.
   
• Visitors are asked to leave large bags and umbrellas at home. The Memorial reserves the right to inspect bags at its discretion.
   
• The Memorial requests that anyone feels unwell, or has had flu-like symptoms in the past 14 days does not visit the Memorial.

• The Memorial reserves the right to refuse entry. Visit awm.gov.au/visit to view full terms and conditions of entry details.
   
• By registering, visitors agree to provide contact details to enable the Memorial to send them information about their visit and other Memorial activities. For more information go to  awm.gov.au/privacy.  
   
• Tickets are for general visits only. For school group information visit awm.gov.au/schools.