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Australian War Memorial Logo
Search
  • Online Shop Use this login for Shop items, and image, film, sound reproductions
    Cart  |  Log In
  • Collection Open Information Close Information
    • Official Histories & Unit Diaries
    • Understanding the Collection
    • Research at the Memorial
    • Donating to the Collection
    • National Collection Loans
    • Projects
  • People
  • Visit Open Information Close Information
    • Visitor Information
    • Exhibitions
    • Events
    • Schools
    • Memorial Development Project
    • Research Centre
  • Commemorate Open Information Close Information
    • Last Post Ceremony
    • Honour Rolls
    • Anzac Day
    • Remembrance Day
    • Customs & Ceremony
    • Speeches
  • Learn Open Information Close Information
    • Schools & Teachers
    • Memorial Articles
    • Encyclopedia
    • Understanding Military Structure
    • Podcasts
    • Glossary
    • Wartime Magazine
  • Get Involved Open Information Close Information
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    • Volunteer at the Memorial
    • Friends of the Memorial
    • eMemorial Newsletter
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  • Shop Open Information Close Information
    • Help and Information
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  5. Hall of Memory
  6. Hall of Memory The Mosaics

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Hall of Memory - The Mosaics

Introduction
Artist
Windows
Dome
Mosaics
Pillars
Tomb

The artworks in the Hall of Memory had not been installed by the end of the Second World War, but it was decided that the stained-glass windows would still be dedicated to the First World War, and the Second was to be commemorated in the wall mosaics. The erect, formal posture and large eyes of the figures recall classical Greek sculptures and the Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna in Italy, which Waller visited in the 1920s.

Collection Item C300220

Accession Number: ART90409.003

The Women's Services

The servicewoman wears a blouse and skirt that were the same in all the women's services, whose badges are seen below her left hand. The many sacrifices and disasters suffered by servicewomen are symbolised by the centaur, a symbol of the hospital ship Centaur which was sunk with the loss of all but one of the nurses. The falling bombs are a reminder that often the servicewoman too was a victim of war.

Collection Item C300218

Accession Number: ART90409.001

The Navy

On the fore-deck the sailor in summer uniform prepares to hoist the Navy's white ensign as the ship goes into action. Behind him the nautical compass is a reminder of the Navy's service in all seas. Above him on the superstructure of the ship is an Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun; the beams of searchlights sweep the sky, suggesting vigilance and danger.

Collection Item C300221

Accession Number: ART90409.004

The Army

After the years of war to defend freedom, the soldier has packed his kitbag and is preparing to return home. Many have died, but the light indicates the triumph of the spirit over death. In the beams of light shining behind him we can see the ascending spirits of his fallen comrades.

Collection Item C300219

Accession Number: ART90409.002

The Air Force

In the ruins of a cathedral, the airman stands and surveys the destruction of this emblem of human ideals. A grotesque medieval sculpture grins down from above; below, the decapitated saint and amputated hand and book represent the destruction of a sacred place which it took centuries to build.

Last updated: 31 October 2019

Cultural Message Modal

Explore the Collection

Explore the Collection

Our collection contains a wealth of material to help you research and find your connection with the wartime experiences of the brave men and women who served in Australia’s military forces.

Find out more
The Australian War Memorial at Night

Visit

The Australian War Memorial was voted the number one landmark in Australia by travellers in the 2016 Trip Advisor awards. Come and see why.

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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.

Find out more
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.

Find out more
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

Treloar Crescent
Campbell ACT 2612
Australia
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The Australian War Memorial

Treloar Crescent

Campbell ACT 2612

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