The Sculpture Garden found around the Australian War Memorial was established in January 1999 with the aim of offering a place for quiet contemplation of the sacrifice of the many Australians who have died in war. It does this very well. Continue reading “War Memorial – Sculpture Garden”
The Hall of Valour, symbolically positioned directly underneath the resting place of the Unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial, “honours the deeds of ordinary Australians under the extraordinary conditions of war.” Continue reading “The Hall of Valour”
The ‘Conflicts 1945 to Today’ galleries at the Australian War Memorial commemorate Australia’s post WWII war and peace-keeping operations. The galleries cover Korea, Malaya and Indonesia, Vietnam, Afghanistan and the two Gulf Wars.
In this review I would like to go into a little more detail on what is often referred to as the ‘Forgotten War” – the Korean War. Continue reading “The Forgotten War (Korean War)”
The ‘Conflicts 1945 to Today’ galleries at the Australian War Memorial commemorate Australia’s post WWII war and peace-keeping operations. The galleries cover Korea, Malaya and Indonesia, Vietnam, Afghanistan and the two Gulf Wars. Continue reading “‘Conflicts 1945 to Today’ Galleries”
Being a lover of older style museums with packed wooden and glass display cabinets, carpets on the floor, low lights and the like, I am particularly attracted to the Colonial Conflicts Gallery of the Australian War Memorial. Continue reading “War Memorial – Colonial Conflicts Gallery”
The Aircraft and ANZAC Halls at the Australian War Memorial are especially built additions to the main War Memorial building to house the Memorial’s larger exhibits. Continue reading “Aircraft and ANZAC Halls – Australian War Memorial”
“Fellow Australians, it is my melancholy duty to inform you officially, that in consequence of a persistence by Germany in her invasion of Poland, Great Britain has declared war upon her and that, as a result, Australia is also at war. No harder task can fall to the lot of a democratic leader than to make such an announcement.” Continue reading “World War II at the Australian War Memorial”
‘Mephisto’ has now left the Australian War Memorial and been returned to the Queensland Museum, Brisbane, Queensland, where it has been for nearly 100 years. The tank is still worthy a review lest you visit Queensland too. Continue reading “Mephisto – The Devil’s Chariot”
With such an amazing collection of war relics, artwork and other memorabilia the majority of which evoke, in the visitor, sad and dark memories from wars and conflicts (though many simultaneously create a sense of hope) it is hard to single out a favourite item at the Australian War Memorial. If I were forced to do so, this painting may indeed be it. Continue reading “Menin Gate at Midnight”
It is rare that one finds medieval art or sculptures in Australia and probably the last place on would expect to encounter such would be in the Australian War Memorial, built in 1936 to commemorate the sacrifice of Australians who have died in war (essentially since the mid 1800s). Continue reading “Menin Gate Lions”
The Rambling Wombat 