What’s happening?
The Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres (Ieper), Belgium has officially reopened following a two-year restoration project, just ahead of its 98th anniversary on 24 July 2025.
Among the first to visit the fully restored site were Australian travellers Jeff Gregory from Townsville QLD, Jenny Houlcroft from Warwick QLD, and David Gordon Grout from Rankin Springs NSW, who laid a wreath during the Last Post ceremony.
Why it matters
Built to honour the more than 54,000 Commonwealth soldiers who went missing in the Ypres Salient during World War I, the Menin Gate is one of the world’s most significant war memorials. Its restoration comes at a time when global attention is returning to WWI, with the 110th anniversaries of key battles now being marked and the Menin Gate’s centenary approaching 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
Australians travelling on the Western Front Explorer tour experienced the newly reopened site up close. Jenny said, “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 added, “To pay my respects to the men who gave their lives in the belief that they were doing their duty for Australia and the Empire was an honour.”
David shared, “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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Over 54,000 names of missing Commonwealth soldiers are listed on the Menin Gate.
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Only 2 of 1,210 name panels required full replacement.
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More than 295,000 Australians served on the Western Front.
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46,000 Australians died between 1916 and 1918 in that region.
Zoom In
Construction of the Menin Gate began in 1923, less than 10 years after WWI ended, and it was unveiled on 24 July 1927. It sits over the road where soldiers marched to the front lines and forms one of the entrances to the rebuilt medieval city of Ypres.
The Last Post ceremony, held nightly at 8pm since 1928 (except during World War II occupation), continued through the restoration, first outside on the ramparts and then beneath the gate once safe to return.
The extensive works conserved all 54,000 name inscriptions, with the original stonework, vaulted ceiling, bronze features, and light ornaments restored. An asbestos layer in the ceiling was safely removed. Historic photos guided the faithful recreation of gallery lighting. A new living roof was installed as part of a sustainable approach.
The restoration was led by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, with support from the Flemish Government and City of Ieper.
Zoom Out
The site holds special meaning for Australians. Between 2026 and 2028, the 110th anniversaries of key battles such as Fromelles, the Somme, and Passchendaele will be commemorated.
“Today, the former battlefields of the Western Front are incredibly picturesque,” 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 is a walled medieval city rebuilt after its destruction in WWI. The city is now home to cafés, restaurants, chocolatiers, and a vibrant main square anchored by the 13th-century Cloth Hall.
The Menin Gate, ranked number two on TripAdvisor for attractions in Ieper (with the Last Post rated number one), remains a central place of remembrance and connection for visitors from across the world.
Enhanced Visitor Experience
Just steps from the memorial, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Visitor Centre helps travellers locate names and graves of the fallen. The centre features informative exhibits, souvenirs, biodegradable wreaths, and staff to support visitor exploration.
Wendy Farnham from Canberra, who recited the Ode of Remembrance earlier this year during the Last Post service, said:
“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. I was incredibly honoured to read the Ode… it is an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime.”
What to look for next?
The Menin Gate will mark its 100th anniversary in July 2027. With the WWI 110-year commemorations continuing through 2028, the site will remain a key destination for remembrance.
Australians regularly visit the Menin Gate as part of guided tours that include the daily Last Post service. These tours offer a structured and respectful way to explore the Western Front, with options ranging from 4-day to 10-day programs and opportunities to participate in the memorial ceremony.
