Tickets are now available to visit the Australian War Memorial as it reopens next month, after COVID-19 restrictions forced its closure on 24 March.
The popular tourist destination is inviting visitors to book free timed sessions to the Anzac Hall or museum galleries, or to attend the Last Post Ceremony.
A spokesperson for the Memorial said there had already been a high demand for tickets since becoming available on Monday this week (22 June).
“Since the free tickets have been made available to the public, early indications show significant engagement from the public with some sessions already at capacity,” they said.
Tickets can be booked on the Australian War Memorial website, or could be available at the Memorial entry, subject to capacity.
The venue is using its timed ticket sessions and one-way direction flows for foot traffic through the venue to adhere to social distancing restrictions.
The spokesperson said the Memorial would not offer guided tours until further notice.
“We are not offering guided tours or public talks but hope to reintroduce these once it is safe to do so,” the spokesperson said.
“There is an increased hygiene regime in place as well, including regular cleaning and hand sanitiser available throughout the galleries.”
Following its closure in March, the Australian War Memorial and other cultural institutions in Canberra were given the okay to reopen as of 30 May.
The venue announced in May it would not reopen until Wednesday 1 July to finalise its COVID-safe business plan and prioritise the safety of its staff and the public.
The spokesperson said the reopening of the venue was essential to the community.
“The Australian War Memorial is one of our most important cultural institutions, combining a museum, an archive and a shrine to those who have lost their lives in service of our country,” they said.
“It is essential we open to the public, not just for those seeking to develop their understanding and knowledge of the Australian experience of conflict and service, but for those who have no other place to honour loved ones who may have served and died.”
