This exhibition brings together, for the first time, unique and beautifully framed soldier portraits from the First World War. Each design painted on the reverse of the glass surrounding the photograph is different, along with each soldier’s story. The Memorial has the largest collection of these fragile portraits. They are rarely on display and seeing them together is not to be missed.
Current Exhibitions
Framing Memory
Captain Reg Saunders Gallery
After The War
After the War is an exhibition exploring the personal stories of hope, loss,and love of ordinary Australians whose lives have been altered by war, from those who have served to loved ones left behind. Take an intimate journey through the personal costs and consequences of war, unfolding over 100 years from 1918 to 2018.
For Our Country
Commemorating the military service and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have fought to protect their country.
A Lifetime of Service for Australia
A lifetime of service for Australia tells the personal stories of remarkable Australians who have dedicated their lives to serving in Australia’s military forces in multiple conflicts.
Great Escapes
During the First World War more than 4,000 Australians became prisoners of war. In the Second World War that number was over 30,000. A small number of prisoners spent months planning and preparing escape attempts. This exhibition features maps, documents, and photographs illustrating just a few stories of escapes attempted during the First and Second World Wars.
The Holocaust: Witnesses and Survivors
Ground Level
This exhibition represents the Holocaust through the experiences of some of the survivors who made new lives in post-war Australia, as well as those of Australian official war artist Alan Moore.
The Colonial Conflicts
Lower Level
These galleries tell of Australia’s early military history from European settlement to the end of the Boer War.
First World War Gallery
Ground Level
The exhibition presents the story of Australia in the First World War chronologically, covering all major theatres of operations: Gallipoli; the Western Front; Sinai and Palestine; and the war at sea.
Second World War Gallery
Ground Level
The Second World War Galleries show how Australians fought in campaigns in Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and south-east Asia. It covers the experience of those on the home front, for it was during this war that the Australian mainland came under direct attack for the first time.
Conflicts 1945 to Today
Lower Level
This series of exhibitions combine cutting edge technology with large iconic objects to tell powerful stories about Australian involvement in conflicts over six decades.
Afghanistan: the Australian story
Lower level
Discover the extraordinary efforts of Australians in Afghanistan through the words of our veterans and their families.
Memorial Features
In addition to our exhibitions, our historical building is something to explore. Find out the significance and commemorative roll of different parts of our incredible building, and special galleries such as Anzac Hall.
