The Oculus Arrives at the Australian War Memorial

Fri 24th January, 2025
Australian War Memorial
Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent, Campbell
Price: Free. Tickets not required.
The stunning centrepiece of the memorial’s new main entrance is a giant Oculus, a mathematical inversion of the iconic memorial dome.

Since 2019, the Australian War Memorial in Canberra has been undergoing a major transformation, with more than half a billion dollars spent on expanding and modernising the iconic building and its grounds.

In a milestone for the redevelopment project, the memorial’s grand main entrance officially opened on January 24. The new entry foyer is set underground, beneath the original, 1930s-built forecourt. Its centrepiece is the Oculus – a colossal skylight that illuminates the space and orients visitors by providing views up to the main building and its Byzantine-style green copper dome.

The nine-metre-wide Oculus (or “eye”) is a mathematical inversion of that unmistakable dome. Its construction took more than five years’ planning, with glass petals – each weighing some 350 kilos – imported from Spain, then set in a steel frame fabricated in Melbourne. Cast into the floor beneath the Oculus are the qualities inscribed in the stained-glass windows in the Hall of Memory, including devotion, loyalty, comradeship, chivalry and endurance.

New display Places of Pride – an interactive map and large-scale film showcasing war memorials around Australia – can be viewed in the new foyer. From obelisks and cenotaphs to stones and trees, these commemorative objects have been documented in collaboration with ordinary citizens. They reflect the scale of sacrifice experienced over the years by communities right across the country and the diverse ways we pay our respects.

The main entrance also features a theatre, a function space and improved accessibility. There’s also a new shop selling an extensive collection of books and commemorative giftware, including an exclusive range created by local businesses and veteran support groups.

Visiting the memorial is free. The opening of the new entrance also marks the end of the timed ticketing system put in place during construction, so visitors can take their time exploring the extensive exhibits.

The memorial’s full redevelopment project is due for completion in 2028.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with the Australian War Memorial.

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