The Melbourne Museum is hosting The WW1 Centenary Exhibition to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War. This is the most historical and significant exhibition from the UK’s IWM (Imperial War Museums) to ever leave Great Britain and visit Australia.
I took my dad, who is a bit of a history buff, to a preview tour of the exhibition. We were lucky to be guided through by exhibition curator, Samantha Heywood who was over from London to oversee the installation of her and her team’s work.
Told through over 350 precious artefacts large to small in scale with masses of digital technology, The WW1 Centenary Exhibition enables you to encounter the story of the War as never before.
It’s not a chronological story of how the war unfolded, but tries to contextualize how this devastating war changed the world and life for everyday people by using a collection of art, militarily and personal artefacts, as well as sounds, animation and interactive teaching tools.
This multi-sensory, collections-rich journey will bring you face-to-face with objects and stories that illuminate the experience and personal stories of war, and show how it was fought on such an enormous, industrial and worldwide scale.
Seven million men marched to war across Europe in the autumn of 1914, and by Christmas, one million of them were dead. No one anticipated this kind of devastation.
The loss of lives was beyond comprehension, but stories of resilience and innovation are also celebrated.
During the centenary of the First World War, this blockbuster exhibition will touch, inspire and inform visitors of all ages.
The WW1 Centenary Exhibition
Where:
Melbourne Museum 11 Nicholson St, Carlton, Victoria, 3053
When:
from 18 April for a strictly limited season
Cost:
From $14 for students to $25.95 peak time admission (includes Melbourne Museum Entry)