The Musée de la Grande Guerre de Meaux (Museum of the Great War) is a major French museum dedicated to World War I. Located in Meaux, the museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums of its kind in Europe. It offers a deep and immersive experience into the history of World War I, its battles, and its lasting impact on the world.

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Musée de la Grande Guerre de Meaux

Rue Lazare Ponticelli

77100 Meaux

France

www.museedelagrandeguerre.eu

reservation.museedelagrandeguerre@meaux.fr

+33 1 60 32 14 18

Monday, Wednesday – Sunday 09:30 – 18:00

Closed Tuesday, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th

Annual closure first three weeks in January

Admission fee

The museum is located in Meaux, in the Île-de-France region, about 50 km northeast of Paris. It is easily accessible by car or public transport from Paris.

Aircraft collection

S5295

SPAD XIII C1

Key Highlights of the Musée de la Grande Guerre:

1. Comprehensive World War I Collection:
   • The museum features one of the most extensive collections of WWI artifacts, with over 50,000 items on display. These include military uniforms, weapons, equipment, personal items, and historical documents from the war.
   • The collection covers all aspects of the war, including the Western Front, Eastern Front, and other theaters of conflict, as well as life on the home front.
2. Exhibits on the Great War’s Causes and Impact:
   • The Musée de la Grande Guerre de Meaux explores the causes of World War I, detailing the political tensions and alliances that led to the outbreak of war in 1914.
   • Visitors will gain a thorough understanding of the military strategies, trench warfare, and the technological advancements (such as tanks, machine guns, and airplanes) that shaped the course of the war.
   • The museum also focuses on the human cost of the war, with sections dedicated to the experience of soldiers, civilians, and families during and after the conflict.
3. Battle and Trenches Recreated:
   • One of the standout features of the Musée de la Grande Guerre de Meaux is the recreation of trench warfare. The museum includes a life-size model of a trench, allowing visitors to experience the harsh and often dangerous conditions soldiers faced during the war.
   • There are also immersive dioramas depicting key battles and military engagements, helping to bring the history of the war to life.
4. Thematic Exhibitions:
   • The Musée de la Grande Guerre de Meaux regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that focus on specific aspects of World War I, such as particular battles, the role of women in the war, propaganda, and the psychological effects of warfare.
   • Past exhibitions have included topics like military art, poetry of the trenches, and the impact of the war on culture and society.
5. Art and Personal Stories:
   • Art played a significant role in the documentation of the war, and the museum includes a rich collection of war art, including paintings, sketches, and photographs that depict the experience of soldiers and civilians during the conflict.
   • Personal stories are also featured, with letters, diaries, and first-person accounts from soldiers and their families, providing an emotional and personal perspective on the war.
6. The Memorial and Honor to the Fallen:
   • A major aspect of the Musée de la Grande Guerre de Meaux is its dedication to honoring the millions of soldiers and civilians who died during the conflict. The museum serves as a memorial to the fallen, with special areas dedicated to remembering their sacrifices.
   • The museum also commemorates the end of the war with a section dedicated to the armistice of November 11, 1918, and the peace treaties that followed.
7. The “Poppy” Symbol and Remembrance:
   • As part of its commitment to remembrance, the museum features the poppy flower as a symbol of the war and its aftermath. This flower became a powerful symbol of remembrance following World War I, particularly through the famous poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.
   • The Musée de la Grande Guerre de Meaux also takes part in Remembrance Day ceremonies and other events to honor the memory of those lost in the war.
8. The Museum’s Architecture:
   • The Musée de la Grande Guerre de Meaux itself is housed in a modern, purpose-built building designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. The design of the museum incorporates both contemporary elements and traditional features that respect the historical significance of the subject matter.
   • The museum is situated in the beautiful Parc du Montreau, offering a peaceful setting for reflection and exploration.
9. Educational Programs:
   • The museum offers a variety of educational programs and workshops, particularly for students and younger visitors. These programs help to engage the public in the history of World War I and foster a deeper understanding of the war’s legacy.
   • The museum also hosts conferences, lectures, and special events, providing a space for scholarly discussions on the impact of the war and its relevance to modern history.
10. Visitor Experience:
    • Guided tours and audioguides are available, providing in-depth explanations of the exhibits and enhancing the overall experience.
    • The Musée de la Grande Guerre de Meaux also has a bookshop with a wide selection of publications related to World War I, as well as items and memorabilia related to the conflict.

Practical Information:

• Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible and provides services for visitors with disabilities.