Australian War Memorial unveils $550M expansion with modern conflict galleries and veteran narratives

After a six-year development costing $550 million, the Australian War Memorial has unveiled new museum spaces, increasing exhibition areas by 80%. The galleries showcase Australia’s contemporary military and peacekeeping efforts in regions such as the Middle East, East Timor, Bougainville, Rwanda, and Cambodia. AWM Director Matt Anderson emphasizes the goal of sharing the personal experiences of living veterans. The display on Australian Peacekeeping since 1947 was led by Senior Historian Dr. David Sutton, while Curator Kerry Neale managed the Conflict in the Middle East exhibition from 1990. Curator Michael Grant is preparing the upcoming War in Afghanistan exhibit. Notable artifacts include a CH-47D Chinook helicopter and an F/A-18A Hornet. By 2028, the institution aims to address Australia's Frontier Wars. The documentary series 'A New Anzac' is currently available on SBS On Demand.