Marking the end of the Second World War
Join us as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War through a series of special events and public programs.
The Memorial will highlight several significant anniversaries including VE (Victory in Europe Day on 8 May and VP (Victory in the Pacific) Day on 15 August.
Through a mix of free and paid events, there is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of this significant chapter in Australia’s history.
Free on-site events
Second World War Highlights Tour
Second World War Galleries, Level 2
Daily, 11.10 am
Join our free daily tour at 11.10 am, where our voluntary guides take you through the highlights of the Second World War Galleries. Enquire at the visitor information desk (Level 0 and Level 2)
Victory in the Pacific!
Photographic exhibition, Level 2
1 August 2025 - 12 October 2025 | 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
A series of photographs that capture the joy and celebration, coupled with the sombre commemoration which seized Australians, as the nation waved goodbye to The Second World War and welcomed the idea of peace.
Author Talk: Tom Trumble
Theatre, Australian War Memorial
26 November 2025 | 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm
Join Tom Trumble at the Memorial as he discusses his new book Survival in Singapore.
Interpreting Australia's Second World War: Previewing Anzac Hall
Symposium
Memorial historians and curators reflect on the significance of Australia’s Second World War and provide a preview of some of the new stories and individual experiences from the forthcoming exhibitions: Australians in Bomber Command, Sydney Harbour under attack, and The battle of Milne Bay which will be on display in the new Anzac Hall.
- Dr Karl James, “Australia and the Second World War”
- Dr Lachlan Grant, “Anzac Hall preview”
- Emily Hyles, “Australian women at war”
- Garth O’Connell, “First Nations stories, an exhibitions preview”
Past author talks
Author Talk: Kristen Alexander
Historian Dr Kristen Alexander discusses her sixth book, Kriegies: the Australian Airmen of Stalag Luft III.
Author Talk: Mark Johnston
Historian Dr Mark Johnston reflects on the experience of Australian service personnel in 1945.
Author Talk: Michael Veitch
Author Michael Veitch joined us at the Memorial to discuss his new book, Borneo: The Last Campaign.
Author Talk: Kathleen Reid-Smith
Former intelligence officer and military historian Kathleen Reid-Smith discussed her new book Operation Cleeve, SOEs forgotten wartime tragedy in Thailand.
Author Talk: Phil Craig and Christine Helliwell
Phil Craig and Emerita Professor Christine Helliwell discussed their respective works 1945: The Reckoning. War, empire and the struggle for a new world and Semut: The untold story of a secret Australian operation in WWII Borneo.
EXPLORE
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WM - The official magazine of the Australian War Memorial
We are proud to announce the arrival of WM - the Australian War Memorial's new magazine and website.
Explore today at https://wm.awm.gov.au/
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