Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra uniquely serves three combined purposes: it is a national shrine, a world-class military museum, and an extensive historical archive. The institution exists to commemorate the sacrifice of all Australians who have died in war. This three-part mandate makes it one of the most significant cultural institutions in the country.

The Australian War Memorial officially opened to the public in 1941, during the height of World War II. It was originally championed by official war historian C.E.W. Bean to document the Australian experience of World War I. Since opening, it has continuously expanded its exhibitions to cover subsequent, modern military conflicts.

The Australian War Memorial is located in Canberra, the purpose-built capital city of Australia. It sits at the northern terminus of Anzac Parade, a broad, ceremonial boulevard lined with various other military memorials. Its prominent positioning is a core element of Walter Burley Griffin's original 1912 urban design plan for the capital.

The Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier is located inside the memorial's Hall of Memory and represents all unidentified Australian soldiers who have died in combat. The remains of an unknown Australian soldier were exhumed from a World War I cemetery in France and interred there in 1993. The tomb serves as the emotional focal point for national commemorative services, such as Anzac Day.