The Australian War Memorial will reopen its doors to the public on Wednesday 1 July.
As the ACT moves to ease COVID-19 restrictions, the Memorial will reopen to the public in accordance with a COVID-safe business plan and ACT Government-recommended measures to prioritise staff and public safety.
Visitors will need to book free, timed tickets to visit the Memorial to ensure social distancing can be maintained on site. Separate free, timed entry tickets to attend the Last Post Ceremony will also be made available.
Members of the public who would like to receive notification of ticket availability are invited to subscribe to the Memorial's electronic newsletter: https://www.awm.gov.au/get-involved/eMemorial/Archive.
Director Matt Anderson PSM, who began his tenure in early April in the midst of the lockdown, said Memorial staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors again.
"To be able to have visitors return is a very welcome development for the staff, management and Council of the Australian War Memorial. It is to the credit of front-line health workers, community leaders and the general public that we are able to get to this point.
"I can't wait to personally welcome visitors and am keen for the Memorial to get back to what it does best - offering a rich and emotive museum experience which honours the commitment and service of those who have worn, and continue to wear, an Australian Defence Force uniform," Mr Anderson said.
The specific details of the Memorial's COVID-safe business plan, including ticket booking, are being finalised and will be communicated to the public in coming weeks.
"It won't be the same, but we ask that people continue to be patient and appreciate that we are working to provide the best possible visitor experience under the current circumstances. Our focus is on opening the Memorial to visitors again, and to do it in a way that minimises the risk to the public, including staff," he added.
Safety measures will include visitors being asked to move in one direction through the Memorial's Commemorative Area and galleries, an increase in staffing to monitor visitor flow in the galleries, and an enhanced cleaning regime including hand sanitisers in key areas. The Memorial shop will be open to visitors for cashless transactions, with shop sales and donations made possible via payWave.
