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Closed until Mar 3, 2025
Sir John Monash Centre
Sir John Monash Centre
5
Temporarily closedClosed until Mar 3, 2025
About
Le Centre Sir John Monash raconte l’histoire de l’Australie pendant la Première Guerre mondiale sur le front occidental, à travers les mots de ceux qui y ont participé. Situé à l’arrière du Mémorial National australien et adjacent au cimetière militaire de Villers-Bretonneux, le Centre Sir John Monash est un site clé du Chemin de mémoire australien sur le front occidental. Ce centre multimédia à la pointe de la technologie permet de faire découvrir la Première Guerre mondiale guerre sur le front occidental d’un point de vue australien à travers un certain nombre d’installations multimédia interactives et d’expériences immersives. L’expérience est conçue pour que les visiteurs aient une meilleure compréhension du périple vécu par les soldats Australiens ordinaires, raconté avec leurs propres mots au travers de lettres, de journaux intimes et d’images de la vie quotidienne. Une visite du Centre Sir John Monash est une expérience émouvante qui marquera durablement les visiteurs.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Margaret LBrisbane, Australia436 contributionsUnmissable for all AustraliansSo very well done! Very moving experience. The history of World War 1 and the Australians defence of particularly Villers-Bretonneux is explained clearly through videos with audio through your phone. There is free wifi and you download the app to listen to. If you don’t have headphones, you can buy them for €3. Entry is free. If you are walking from the train station, it’s about a 3 kilometre walk through a farmers field. (Actually, that’s one thing that could be improved- more signage, as you could swear you were lost) A must do for ALL AustraliansVisited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 22, 2024
- gwenmoronChatellerault, France6 contributionsMust doThis center was for me one of the most beautiful discoveries of the remembrance circuit. The audio-visual system used to reveal the involvement of Australian troops during the Battle of the Somme is incredible and makes the visit much more fun. This center is a must for anyone interested in this topic. I will return without hesitationVisited September 2024Traveled soloWritten September 7, 2024
- Steven B10 contributionsMake it a must see, the CWGC cemetery and Sir John Monash centre.A fantastic site, from the initial walking up through the graves, to climbing the tower, and taking in the virtual interactive museum. A lovely kept cemetery, as are all CWGC ones, to an imposing wall and tower. Climb to it's top for outstanding views of the site and surrounding battlefields. The museum/visitors center is free, but would willing pay to visit it. You can spend half a day here listening to and watching all the videos, so don't rush it.Visited October 2024Traveled soloWritten October 26, 2024
- Stewart_JulieMelbourne, Australia538 contributionsA Must Visit for AussieIf you travels takes you to France or Europe the Sir John Monash Centre needs to be on your itinerary. This was our second visit, and we found it every bit as moving as our first. Now for a ‘plug’ - you can not go past staying at Le Macassar in Corbie. It’s the closest accommodation to the Sir John Monash Centre, run by lovely Canadian hosts Deborah & Gordon. We’ve stayed there twice for good reason.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 22, 2024
- PetalBrisbane, Australia1,667 contributionsUnmissable Immersive ExperienceThe Sir John Monash Centre has been very well designed in that it is unobtrusive that sits behind the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux. The Centre honours and commemorates Australian military personnel killed on the Western Front during World War. The Centre is respectful and informative delivering information in a fresh way to immerse visitors into what the experience might have felt like during the horrific conflicts on the Western Front during WWI. Do not miss the theatre experience where actual WWI scenes have been recreated, based on archives the scenes and dialogue that are authentic to the time. It is immensely moving and quiet upsetting at times, particularly as the sound of explosions and pain sounds very real. Also, be aware that 'smoke' and "gas" will be present in the room during the film, this is to really show you the terror of what it would have been like. The fear and chaos are brilliantly replicated. You will walk out of the theatre shaken and reflective. The rest of the Centre is also immersive, you listen on your airpods (or can purchase headphones) to hear the 'voices' of various moments in war history on the Western Front from an Australian perspective. After weeks in Europe it was so beautiful to hear the Aussie accent again! None of the staff were Australian, they were French or British. Make sure you pop into the small gift shop as there are some gems there worth looking at and considering to take home as mementos. The café was a good way to wrap up the visit and reflect on what you have seen and experienced. They have a good variety of food and drinks for the whole family....we even saw they had vegemite! It will be an emotional experience, but one definitely worth you and your family considering if you are in Europe and want to honour our fallen. May they Rest in Peace.Visited December 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 10, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
200 reviews
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michel
Vienne, France3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We arrived at the Australian WW1 graveyard on a cold January day, we were the only car in the carpark, the reception building was deserted, I thought typical french, nothing open in winter. We walked through the wet grass of the graveyard and climbed the observation tower, not a soul in sight, all in all pretty windy miserable and depressing, THEN we pushed on the door of the Sir John Monash Centre and it opened, it was warm inside, an Australian guide greated us at the door. Did we want to warm up and have a coffee before we viewed the museum (you bet we did). We found out later that they had only opened on the off chance that someone would come (and 2 other Australian couples had come, even the english volunteers who ran the cofee shop had come in. This was a great and very modern museum with lovely staff both french and Australian, truly moving and the technolgy actually worked (ask about the indoor location beacons). The museum is funded / managed by the Australian War Graves comission and is real credit to them!
Written January 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon G
Kent, UK71 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Extraordinary museum; my 3rd visit. Brilliant use of modern technology, hours of old photos and cine available. Moving testimony, stunning audio-visuals with vivid battlefield reconstruction. This is one of the finest museums I have visited in over 40 years professional guiding. We spent 5 hours there. I don't think I've ever done that before. If you are visiting the Somme battlefields, DO NOT miss this. There are flashing lights in the "Immersive" experience, and some of the visuals may be disturbing for the young or delicate. Sir John Monash may have been the finest general on any side in WW1. He's not well enough known outside Australia, even if he is on their $50 note.
Written November 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Canada27
Tecumseh, Canada575 contributions
Jul 2022
This place is a must if you're on the Somme, whether you're an Aussie/Kiwi or not. First off, it's free so time is the only thing you'll spend and it will be spent well.
After seeing the towering monument and walking among the graves, the museum will take you back to those fateful days at Villers-Bretonneux during the Great War. This museum has a modern feel and is very interactive with its many screens and narrations. Friendly staff are on site to help you navigate or answer any questions. I've paid for admission at museums of lesser calibre. You really can't beat what it has to offer.
There's a small cafe on site too if you need a snack or beverage. Can't recommend this place enough.
After seeing the towering monument and walking among the graves, the museum will take you back to those fateful days at Villers-Bretonneux during the Great War. This museum has a modern feel and is very interactive with its many screens and narrations. Friendly staff are on site to help you navigate or answer any questions. I've paid for admission at museums of lesser calibre. You really can't beat what it has to offer.
There's a small cafe on site too if you need a snack or beverage. Can't recommend this place enough.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul C
Perth, Australia205 contributions
Apr 2019
We had attended the Anzac Service the previous day and had tickets to the Monash Centre. There were loads of people around and it seemed like it was not the best idea to attend the day after Anzac Day. However we had tickets and a time so pushed on. The Centre is brilliant and can accommodate the crowds there and staff kept the numbers in to a manageable level.
The exhibits are stunning in the way they are presented and we spent 3+ hours there just checking it all out. The interactive and static displays, along with the real items and reproductions added to the story. I was stunned when using the search facility to find my grandfather's details and service record easily. Everyone in our party came away touched by the level of detail and care involved. Many thanks to the staff there and the fact that I now know where my Grandfather fought, enlisted and so much more. Pity not everyone can get there and then also look over the land fought on.
The exhibits are stunning in the way they are presented and we spent 3+ hours there just checking it all out. The interactive and static displays, along with the real items and reproductions added to the story. I was stunned when using the search facility to find my grandfather's details and service record easily. Everyone in our party came away touched by the level of detail and care involved. Many thanks to the staff there and the fact that I now know where my Grandfather fought, enlisted and so much more. Pity not everyone can get there and then also look over the land fought on.
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle L
12 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Highly recommend this as a stopping point during your visit to the Somme region. Very interactive and an excellent use of technology. Lots of interesting information. You can have a quick look through in an hour or so, but to do it thoroughly you will need a few hours. The immersive experience was also excellent.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H.F. Callaghan
Cabramurra, Australia347 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We attended the dawn service service for ANZAC day in 2023. The Memorial and Monash centre are wonderful treasures for our thousands of fallen on these battlefields. The centre is magnificent. It’s lates out perfectly, great exhibits, fantastic documentaries and information. The staff there are so courteous and couldn’t be more helpful to us Australians. Well done to everyone involved and you should be very proud. The footage in the films are first rate. You should do a full documentary on all you have there. Very moving morning and topped off by a great exhibition.
Written April 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AdamDAus
Melbourne, Australia88 contributions
Jun 2022
As an Australian who lost an ancestor in the Great War this is a must see. You will not leave without feeling so many emotions. To walk around the grave stones and read the names AND their ages will bring a tear to the eye and a lump in the throat.
Walk around the entire site and make sure you use the App to fully experience.
HINT: use the app and watch all interactive areas PLUS click on the commemoration tab. So powerful and moving to read the rites the ANZAC ode plus play the Last Post
Walk around the entire site and make sure you use the App to fully experience.
HINT: use the app and watch all interactive areas PLUS click on the commemoration tab. So powerful and moving to read the rites the ANZAC ode plus play the Last Post
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I_over_P
Munich, Germany142 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We travelled around the area to see all the battle sides and memorials. There are several good museums in the area, but this one was our favorite. It is free of charge, really interactive and engaging. The little cafe is also nice to have a cup of coffee after your visit.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kazzmak
Melbourne, Australia15 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The whole experience, from the cemetery to the memorial and the Sir John Monash Centre was amazing. I learned so much there, and I came away feeling humbled and sad….. but uplifted at the same time, if that makes sense.
The centre is world class, and a must visit for anyone passing by, or even if it’s out if the way.
Highly recommended!!! I hope we will be back ❤️
The centre is world class, and a must visit for anyone passing by, or even if it’s out if the way.
Highly recommended!!! I hope we will be back ❤️
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fuzzylogic56
18 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Many informative displays which help give an understanding of the different phases of WW1 , it’s battles and it’s impact on people including those at home. Staff were very friendly and helpful. A solemn and respectful place where you can spend several hours easily
Written June 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
We visited the Australian National Memorial 3 years ago prior to the construction and opening of Sir John Monash Centre. We will be in France later this year and would noe like to visit this Centre. We would appreciated and suggestions and advice as to the length of time we would need to appreciate all that is there. The website suggests 2-3 hours, is this reasonable.
The reasons for asking is that we only have one day and have to arrange trains to and from Paris.
Thanks
Paul
Australia
Written January 13, 2019
To get the full benefit from the Centre, you will need to spend at least 2 hours, maybe a bit more depending on the number of other visitors. You will need to download the free app and will need a pair of headphones, which as has been said you can purchase at the centre. The interactive exhibits tell the story of Australia’s involvement in WW1 and is very detailed. It is definitely worth spending the time going through the centre. Without the app, it is probably not worth visiting as the interactive exhibits is the centre. I hope you have a great trip.
Written January 13, 2019
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