Representatives of Britain, Russia, France and the United States accepted the unconditional surrender of the German Armed Forces on 8 May 1945, ending the war in Europe. The war in the Pacific did not formally end until nearly four months later, when the Japanese instrument of surrender was signed on 2 September.  

From recruitment posters urging Australians to enlist and opposition to conscription by conscientious objectors, to espionage and the evolving role of women’s work in the war effort, this exhibition highlights stories from our collections relating to the Second World War. Other items reveal the postwar reconstruction of nations whose citizens’ lives had been irrevocably changed by the conflict. 

Plan your visit

For a quieter visit, our gallery spaces have quiet hours from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.