Our plans
Our new buildings and spaces will enhance the visitor experience, while protecting the heritage and form of the original iconic outline of the Memorial’s sandstone building façade as it is seen from Anzac Parade.
The sacred heart of the Memorial – including the Commemorative Area, Hall of Memory, and Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier – will not change. The original Commemorative Forecourt, stairs and heritage entrance will also be reinstated as they appear now.
The addition of a new southern entrance will improve visitor access and orientation, with particular consideration given to issues of accessibility and mobility impairment. The original heritage entrance will still be available for those who wish to use it.
New galleries will include quiet places for reflection and improved spaces for education programs, in order to allow greater connection and engagement with stories and objects for all visitors.
A new Research Centre will enhance the experience of research at the Memorial, offering efficient public access to collection and reference materials, and offering visitors welcoming, light-filled spaces.
The new design will improve connections between the main building and new Anzac Hall galleries, as well as improving the visitor experience. Create additional exhibition space, while preserving the heritage and integrity of the main Memorial building.
Australian War Memorial Development Project fly-through – published 18 November 2019. For current designs, please refer to the images below.
Architectural Design
Following the Australian Government’s approval of the Memorial’s Detailed Business Case to develop its galleries, a comprehensive architectural design competition was conducted in 2019.
Entrants were asked to provide design solutions within the approved project budget that managed heritage risks, provided flexible and functional exhibition space, and enhanced the visitor experience. The shortlisted selection of architects had the option to retain the current Anzac Hall in any proposed concept designs.
Four concept designs – one of which included a proposal to expand the current Anzac Hall – were entered in the design competition.
A design jury – comprising of three highly-regarded architects, two senior Memorial staff, and an independent heritage conservation advisor – assessed the submissions.
After careful study, the design submitted by Cox Architecture was selected for the new Anzac Hall and Glazed Link. The design by Scott Carver Architects was selected for the new Southern Entry and Parade Ground works.
Proposed Precinct view.
New Southern Entrance
New Southern Entrance and Parade Grounds
A new southern entrance will improve visitor orientation, and provide additional access to gallery spaces.
Designed by Scott Carver Pty Ltd, the new southern entrance will be created below the existing forecourt and will connect through to the lower level of the main building.
Access will be via the eastern and western arrival courtyards. The western arrival courtyard will be ramped to provide access from the western car parks. The eastern arrival courtyard will have a stepped entrance from the ground level forecourt, with ramped and lift access to the underground and eastern car parks.
The original Heritage Entrance is also retained in the final designs.
The southern entrance will also house the Memorial shop and the Places of Pride interactive display that links the Memorial to thousands of individual, regional and state memorials across the country.
The connection to the Main Building will be maintained and will be visible through a new focal point, the oculus, located at the heart of the new southern entrance. The design of the oculus draws upon the scale and detail of the dome to the Hall of Memory. Its cone shape is an inversion of the dome, and its structure pays homage to the dome’s external finned structure. The oculus’s glazed skin is inspired by the mosaic collage designed by Napier Waller which adorns the internal skin of the dome in the Hall of Memory.
New Southern Entrance
New Southern Entrance - West
A new southern entrance will improve visitor orientation, and provide additional access to gallery spaces.
Designed by Scott Carver Pty Ltd, the new southern entrance will be created below the existing forecourt and will connect through to the lower level of the main building.
Access will be via the eastern and western arrival courtyards. The western arrival courtyard will be ramped to provide access from the western car parks. The eastern arrival courtyard will have a stepped entrance from the ground level forecourt, with ramped and lift access to the underground and eastern car parks.
The original Heritage Entrance is also retained in the final designs.
The southern entrance will also house the Memorial shop and the Places of Pride interactive display that links the Memorial to thousands of individual, regional and state memorials across the country.
The connection to the Main Building will be maintained and will be visible through a new focal point, the oculus, located at the heart of the new southern entrance. The design of the oculus draws upon the scale and detail of the dome to the Hall of Memory. Its cone shape is an inversion of the dome, and its structure pays homage to the dome’s external finned structure. The oculus’s glazed skin is inspired by the mosaic collage designed by Napier Waller which adorns the internal skin of the dome in the Hall of Memory.
New Southern Entrance
New Southern Entrance - East
A new southern entrance will improve visitor orientation, and provide additional access to gallery spaces.
Designed by Scott Carver Pty Ltd, the new southern entrance will be created below the existing forecourt and will connect through to the lower level of the main building.
Access will be via the eastern and western arrival courtyards. The western arrival courtyard will be ramped to provide access from the western car parks. The eastern arrival courtyard will have a stepped entrance from the ground level forecourt, with ramped and lift access to the underground and eastern car parks.
The original Heritage Entrance is also retained in the final designs.
The southern entrance will also house the Memorial shop and the Places of Pride interactive display that links the Memorial to thousands of individual, regional and state memorials across the country.
The connection to the Main Building will be maintained and will be visible through a new focal point, the oculus, located at the heart of the new southern entrance. The design of the oculus draws upon the scale and detail of the dome to the Hall of Memory. Its cone shape is an inversion of the dome, and its structure pays homage to the dome’s external finned structure. The oculus’s glazed skin is inspired by the mosaic collage designed by Napier Waller which adorns the internal skin of the dome in the Hall of Memory.
New Southern Entrance
Southern Entrance Oculus
A new southern entrance will improve visitor orientation, and provide additional access to gallery spaces.
Designed by Scott Carver Pty Ltd, the new southern entrance will be created below the existing forecourt and will connect through to the lower level of the main building.
Access will be via the eastern and western arrival courtyards. The western arrival courtyard will be ramped to provide access from the western car parks. The eastern arrival courtyard will have a stepped entrance from the ground level forecourt, with ramped and lift access to the underground and eastern car parks.
The original Heritage Entrance is also retained in the final designs.
The southern entrance will also house the Memorial shop and the Places of Pride interactive display that links the Memorial to thousands of individual, regional and state memorials across the country.
The connection to the Main Building will be maintained and will be visible through a new focal point, the oculus, located at the heart of the new southern entrance. The design of the oculus draws upon the scale and detail of the dome to the Hall of Memory. Its cone shape is an inversion of the dome, and its structure pays homage to the dome’s external finned structure. The oculus’s glazed skin is inspired by the mosaic collage designed by Napier Waller which adorns the internal skin of the dome in the Hall of Memory.
Anzac Hall
New Anzac Hall and Glazed Link – Western View
Designed by Cox Architecture Pty Ltd, the new Anzac Hall provides an additional 4,000m² of gallery space with the construction of a new two-storey building to house and display exhibitions, large technology objects and galleries.
The decision to rebuild Anzac Hall was made following a comprehensive study and rigorous analysis of possible alternatives. This outcome was determined to be the least complex, best value for money approach that would not threaten the integrity of the heritage main building. For further information, please refer to our frequently asked questions.
The glazed link, also designed by Cox Architecture, will strengthen and improve connectivity between the Memorial Building and Anzac Hall. It will house non-light-sensitive large technology objects (including aircraft and armoured vehicles), a café/restaurant, and space to support the Memorial’s educational programs.
The design activates an underutilised zone behind the main building and will increase the number of connection access ways between the main building and Anzac Hall.
From the bridge between Anzac Hall and the main building visitors will be able to see the dome over the Hall of Memory from the north, similar to the line of sight through the oculus from the south. Externally the ridges to the roof reflect the structure of the ANZAC badge.
Anzac Hall
New Anzac Hall and Glazed Link – Eastern View
Designed by Cox Architecture Pty Ltd, the new Anzac Hall provides an additional 4,000m² of gallery space with the construction of a new two-storey building to house and display exhibitions, large technology objects and galleries.
The decision to rebuild Anzac Hall was made following a comprehensive study and rigorous analysis of possible alternatives. This outcome was determined to be the least complex, best value for money approach that would not threaten the integrity of the heritage main building. For further information, please refer to our frequently asked questions.
The glazed link, also designed by Cox Architecture, will strengthen and improve connectivity between the Memorial Building and Anzac Hall. It will house non-light-sensitive large technology objects (including aircraft and armoured vehicles), a café/restaurant, and space to support the Memorial’s educational programs.
The design activates an underutilised zone behind the main building and will increase the number of connection access ways between the main building and Anzac Hall.
From the bridge between Anzac Hall and the main building visitors will be able to see the dome over the Hall of Memory from the north, similar to the line of sight through the oculus from the south. Externally the ridges to the roof reflect the structure of the ANZAC badge.
Anzac Hall
New Anzac Hall Glazed Link.
Designed by Cox Architecture Pty Ltd, the new Anzac Hall provides an additional 4,000m² of gallery space with the construction of a new two-storey building to house and display exhibitions, large technology objects and galleries.
The decision to rebuild Anzac Hall was made following a comprehensive study and rigorous analysis of possible alternatives. This outcome was determined to be the least complex, best value for money approach that would not threaten the integrity of the heritage main building. For further information, please refer to our frequently asked questions.
The glazed link, also designed by Cox Architecture, will strengthen and improve connectivity between the Memorial Building and Anzac Hall. It will house non-light-sensitive large technology objects (including aircraft and armoured vehicles), a café/restaurant, and space to support the Memorial’s educational programs.
The design activates an underutilised zone behind the main building and will increase the number of connection access ways between the main building and Anzac Hall.
From the bridge between Anzac Hall and the main building visitors will be able to see the dome over the Hall of Memory from the north, similar to the line of sight through the oculus from the south. Externally the ridges to the roof reflect the structure of the ANZAC badge.
C.E.W Bean Building, Refurbishment and New Research Centre
CEW Bean Building Research Centre
We will be extending the CEW Bean Building to the east and to the south, aligning with the forecourt in front of Poppy’s Café. This will offer be more space to house the Museum’s extensive archives. The extension and refurbishment of the existing building will offer be more space to house the Museum’s extensive archives and allow us to consolidate operational and administrative functions that currently happen in the main building – freeing up space in the main building for gallery content.
A new world-class research centre will be integrated into the CEW Bean Building to provide efficient and secure access to the National Collection and reference materials, as well as offering visitors welcoming, light-filled spaces.
C.E.W Bean Building, Refurbishment and New Research Centre
View of Hall of Memory Dome from within new CEW Bean Research Centre
We will be extending the CEW Bean Building to the east and to the south, aligning with the forecourt in front of Poppy’s Café. This will offer be more space to house the Museum’s extensive archives. The extension and refurbishment of the existing building will offer be more space to house the Museum’s extensive archives and allow us to consolidate operational and administrative functions that currently happen in the main building – freeing up space in the main building for gallery content.
A new world-class research centre will be integrated into the CEW Bean Building to provide efficient and secure access to the National Collection and reference materials, as well as offering visitors welcoming, light-filled spaces.
Parade Ground and Public Realm works
Expanded Parade Ground
We will be expanding and re-shaping the parade ground to make it easier to access, enhance site security and accommodate increased visitor attendance at events.
Precinct Improvement Works
A number of works will occur to improve accessibility to the various parts of the Memorial grounds and increase connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces across the site.
Precinct works will include:
- A new path from the Western carpark to the new Southern Entrance will provide a safer journey for visitors in all weather conditions and will comply with all relevant requirements for disabled access.
- A new path from the tour bus parking area will run directly to the Education Entrance, improving student and visitor safety.
- Conversion of the Western and Eastern roads to shared zones to improve the pedestrian experience.
Parade Ground and Public Realm works
Memorial Forecourt with Southern Entrance Oculus
A number of works will occur to improve accessibility to the various parts of the Memorial grounds and increase connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces across the site.
Precinct works will include:
- A new path from the Western carpark to the new Southern Entrance will provide a safer journey for visitors in all weather conditions and will comply with all relevant requirements for disabled access.
- A new path from the tour bus parking area will run directly to the Education Entrance, improving student and visitor safety.
- Conversion of the Western and Eastern roads to shared zones to improve the pedestrian experience.
Parade Ground and Public Realm works
Poppy's Café carpark extension
Work on the Poppy’s Café car park extension is now complete. Visitors can now access the new parking facilities.
The works have provided 123 new car parking spaces for Memorial visitors. There is also a temporary car park (to be in place for approximately five years) installed on top of the basement car park; this provides 115 additional car spaces during the construction works.
The temporary car park site will be returned to a native plant landscape at the end of the project.
Parade Ground and Public Realm works
Aerial View, Parade Ground and Public Realm.
We will be expanding and re-shaping the parade ground to make it easier to access, enhance site security and accommodate increased visitor attendance at events.
Precinct Improvement Works
A number of works will occur to improve accessibility to the various parts of the Memorial grounds and increase connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces across the site.
Precinct works will include:
- A new path from the Western carpark to the new Southern Entrance will provide a safer journey for visitors in all weather conditions and will comply with all relevant requirements for disabled access.
- A new path from the tour bus parking area will run directly to the Education Entrance, improving student and visitor safety.
- Conversion of the Western and Eastern roads to shared zones to improve the pedestrian experience.
Parade Ground and Public Realm works
View from Mt.Ainslie
Project timeline
2018 Development project announced by the Prime Minister, Hon, Scott Morrison MP
2019 Enabling works begin
2021 Anzac Hall works begin
2021 CEW Bean Building works begin
2021 Southern entrance works begin
2021 Main Building lower level refurbishments begin
2023 Southern entrance external works complete
2024 Anzac Hall and glazed link fitout, southern entrance fitout, CEW Bean Building and Research Centre fitout
2024 Main building lower level galleries fitouts begin
2025 Main building upper level refurbishments begin
2028 Project complete
