What’s happening?
After two years of meticulous conservation, the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres (Ieper), Belgium has officially reopened. The completion comes ahead of the site’s 98th anniversary on 24 July 2025 and returns full access to one of the most significant WWI memorials.
Australian visitors were among the first to experience the fully reopened memorial and take part in the nightly Last Post ceremony, continuing a long tradition of remembrance on the Western Front.
Why it matters
The Menin Gate commemorates over 54,000 Commonwealth soldiers who went missing during World War I in the Ypres Salient. Its restoration ensures the preservation of this significant site as global commemorations continue, including the 110th anniversaries of major WWI battles and the gate’s own centenary in 2027.
Battlefield historian Mat McLachlan said, “The Menin Gate stands as one of the most powerful and moving memorials to the Great War. Seeing it restored ensures it will stand the test of time for generations to come.”
Local Impact
Australian travellers on a Western Front Explorer tour were among the first to walk through the restored arch and take part in the ceremony.
Jenny Houlcroft from Warwick QLD, Jeff Gregory from Townsville QLD and David Gordon Grout from Rankin Springs NSW had the honour of laying a wreath at the Last Post service.
Jenny reflected on the personal impact of the visit: “Touching this history has been amazing. Being able to see the sacrifice which enabled our freedom today, and to gain a greater understanding of our past has made my holiday so much more valuable and memorable.”
Jeff described it as an honour to pay his respects: “To the men who gave their lives in the belief that they were doing their duty for Australia and the Empire.”
For David, the moment was deeply personal: “My grandfather was a farmer who served in WWI, and today I run the farm that was originally my grandfather’s. It was an incredible and moving experience visiting the places where the Australians served on the Western Front, and very special to lay the wreath at Menin Gate.”
By the Numbers:
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The memorial lists over 54,000 missing Commonwealth soldiers.
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Only 2 of the 1,210 name panels required full replacement during restoration.
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More than 295,000 Australians served on the Western Front.
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46,000 Australians were killed in the region between 1916 and 1918.
Zoom In
Construction of the Menin Gate began in 1923 and it was officially opened on 24 July 1927. Located on the road that soldiers used to reach the front, the gate remains one of the most visited WWI memorials in Europe. The Last Post has been sounded every evening at 8pm since 1928, apart from a pause during WWII.
The extensive restoration included:
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Cleaning and conserving over 54,000 names
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Restoring the vaulted ceiling and removing asbestos
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Repainting intricate interior detailing
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Recreating gallery lights from archival photos
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Preserving the bronze features and stone sculptures
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Installing a sustainable living roof for long-term durability
The work was completed under the leadership of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, with support from the Flemish Government and City of Ieper. The Last Post continued throughout the works—on the ramparts when necessary, and later beneath the gate.
Zoom Out
This reopening comes as attention returns to the Western Front during a key period of remembrance. Between 2026 and 2028, Australia and the world will mark the 110th anniversaries of battles such as Fromelles, the Somme, and Passchendaele.
“Today, the former battlefields of the Western Front are incredibly picturesque, with rolling green countryside,” said Mat McLachlan. “But marks from the Great War are still clear to be seen, and remembrance is very much alive – particularly in Ypres.”
Ypres itself, rebuilt after near-total destruction, is now a vibrant medieval city known for its heritage, food, and preserved ramparts. The Menin Gate remains a central landmark in the city’s historical narrative and visitor experience.
A Living Tradition
The Last Post ceremony is performed nightly by the Last Post Association and remains the highest-rated experience in Ypres on TripAdvisor. Each performance honours the fallen in a solemn tribute nearly a century old.
Earlier this year, Wendy Farnham from Canberra read the Ode of Remembrance during the Anzac Day ceremony at Menin Gate. “This was my third visit to the Western Front, following in the footsteps of my Anzac grandfather James Bruce Lithgow, but my first for Anzac Day,” she said. “I was incredibly honoured to read the Ode… it is an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime.”
Enhanced Visitor Experience
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Visitor Centre, located next to the gate, offers resources to help visitors trace names and explore the site’s history. Visitors can also find souvenir items, biodegradable wreaths, and staff support for planning visits.
What to look for next?
As the Menin Gate prepares to mark its 100th year in 2027, more Australians are expected to return to Flanders as part of structured visits that offer historical insights and ceremony participation.
Several guided itineraries include stops at the Menin Gate. Year-round options include the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front, 4-day Anzac Day in Ypres, weekly Western Front Explorer tours, exclusive signature tours, and private or Ypres Salient-focused journeys—offering meaningful ways to engage with this enduring legacy.