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Establishment of the Australian War Memorial

As few of those grieving over the loss of their loved ones would get to Gallipoli or the Western Front, Charles Bean conceived the idea of an Australian war memorial. It was to be a place where those who were mourning could visit to commemorate the sacrifice of those who had been killed.

An architectural competition failed to produce a satisfactory individual design. Sydney architects Emil Sodersteen and John Crust were encouraged to submit a joint design, combining Sodersteen’s vision for the building and Crust’s concept of cloisters to house the Roll of Honour. This was accepted in 1927.

The Memorial’s foundation stone was laid on 25 April 1929, but work was curtailed by the onset of the Great Depression. Work on the main structure began in 1936 and was finally completed in 1941 – by which time the nation was embroiled in another war. The Memorial was officially opened on Armistice Day 1941 by Prime Minister John Curtin. The First World War – the war to end all wars – had been for nought.

Collection Item C172376

Accession Number: ART09852

The inauguration of the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Anzac Day 1929

Louis McCubbin chose for this work a grand view from the bottom of Mount Ainslie, looking towards what is now Anzac Parade and Parliament House. By using a sweeping perspective, he captured the crowd of people as well as the bush landscape that dominated Canberra in the early years of its development.

The ceremony was broadcast nationwide on radio. First World War veterans acted as a catafalque party, while cadets from the Royal Military College and the Royal Australian Naval College formed the guard of honour.

Collection Item C283910

Accession Number: XS0120

Construction of the Australian War Memorial

Construction of the Australian War Memorial, showing detail of the base of the dome in August 1940, with a government official standing central.

Last updated: 22 October 2019

1 The Donations and bequests

Donations & Bequests

Your generous donation will be used to ensure the memory of our Defence Forces and what they have done for us, and what they continue to do for our freedom remains – today and into the future.

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2 Visit Transcribe.awm.gov.au

Transcribe

Help preserve Australia's history by transcribing records from the National Collection. Enhance accessibility and discoverability for all Australians.

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The placesofpride

Places of Pride

Places of Pride, the National Register of War Memorials, is a new initiative designed to record the locations and photographs of every publicly accessible memorial across Australia.

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Visit the Australian War Memorial

Visit the Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is open for visitors as we work to expand our galleries. Entry is free and tickets are not required.

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Canberra Highlands in Grayscale

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS

The Australian War Memorial acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and waters. We pay our respects to elders past and present.
Location map of The Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial building

The Australian War Memorial

Fairbairn Avenue
Campbell ACT 2612
Australia
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The Australian War Memorial

Fairbairn Avenue

Campbell ACT 2612

Australia

 

Opening Hours

10 am to 4 pm daily (except Christmas Day)

 

In preparation for the daily Last Post Ceremony,

galleries are progressively closed from 3:40 pm.

 

Public entrance via Fairbairn Avenue, Campbell ACT 2612

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