The coming of the ‘real war’ and MacArthur to Brisbane

Introducing MacArthur the Man

Telling the story of his leaving the Philippines and coming to Brisbane. MacArthur’s trademark cap and corncob pipe are on display.

The Shock of the War

The impact on the city and its people. Visitors can see the presence of the war in newsreels and film clips.

The physical presence of the war in Brisbane

A garrison town, expecting invasion. Living with the brownout when the pavements were edged with white and white stripes were painted on post boxes, shop windows were taped and there were public air raid shelters in the streets.

Changes in the daily lives of men and women and their war work The National Manpower Directorate controlled the work people did. For women there weredramatically expanded opportunities to do new kinds of work and to join the services.

Rules and restrictions

Identity cards and ration books and censorship. The manufacture of all non-essential items was banned.

On this day

What Brisbane people woke up to each morning. Interactive screens showing the front page of the Courier Mail on each day of the war.

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