Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00437:body:0:p143
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00437
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Character Range: 460922–463925

who died as a result of any war. Between 1979 and 1988 the names of theatres of war were inscribed in bronze letters on the courtyard walls.
Rosemary and Pencil Pines used in the courtyard are symbolically associated with remembrance and sacrifice (Pearson & Crocket 1995: 24-27).

Galleries and collections

A series of galleries and displays exhibit artefacts related to Australia's involvement in war and form a major component of the AWM. The galleries are an integral aspect of the AWM's commemorative and museum functions to remember and increase an understanding of Australians' involvement in war. This includes outstanding dioramas and picture models dating from 1920 through to 1983. Several dioramas (four large, six small and two very small series) constructed prior to the opening of the AWM have survived with modifications. The building initially made extensive use of skylights for galleries and diorama displays but these were modified after conservation problems arose. In 1968-71 major alterations included the extension of the transept wings which provided additional gallery space and the closing of skylights in favour of artificial lighting. Most of the galleries have been altered significantly since their construction. The Sinai Palestine Gallery, in situ since 1941, is largely intact, including the original ceiling pattern and rubber tile flooring (Pearson & Crocket 1995: 25-27). Internal alterations in 1996-97 retained the Sinai Palestine Gallery.

The AWM houses an extensive and unique collection of artefacts and records on Australians' experience of war. These comprise: films, photographs and sound recordings (including unedited material taken by official cameramen and private individuals, commercial documentaries, oral histories, radio interviews, period music); printed and ephemeral materials (such as official records, diaries, postcards); military heraldry; tens of thousands military technology objects; dioramas and other models; and artworks including those that

originated in the official war art schemes. The AWM has the nation's largest archive of the writings of ordinary Australians on their experience of war (AWM web site). The First World War dioramas are significant icons as: rare surviving examples of artist created three dimensional display models; documents that were specifically created to record historical events; and highly creative interpretive devices. The Battle of Romani, the last large diorama, and the Transport diorama series are in their original location in the Sinai Gallery.

ANZAC Hall

ANZAC Hall was built as a modern, flexible exhibition hall of 3,000 square metres to display the AWM's collection of large technology objects. The design of a high curved wall of aerodynamic plan form some 20 metres behind the main building provided space and retained the view of the original building 'in the round', as originally intended by Sodersteen and Crust. The hall sits unobtrusively behind the iconic main building. The fan