Explore the Great War Museum in Meaux

The Great War Museum (Le Musée de la Grande Guerre) was inaugurated at 11 am on Friday, November 11, 2011, a symbolic time and date that commemorates the end of World War I. This museum is dedicated to preserving the memories and stories of those who lived through the conflict, particularly on this historic day when the Armistice was signed in 1945.

Insight into the Great War

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Compiègne in Picardy is essential for experiencing the somber Memorial of the Armistice, where the war formally ceased within an old railway carriage. The museum’s vast collection of nearly 50,000 objects and documents, primarily assembled by Jean-Pierre Verney, offers a deep dive into the era’s realities. Verney, a self-taught collector, started his efforts in the late 1960s, ultimately creating one of the largest collections in Europe, acquired by the local government of Meaux in 2005.

Significance of Meaux

The Battle of the Marne was a pivotal moment in World War I, taking place in September 1914 around Meaux. This fierce conflict set the stage for the war’s course, particularly emphasizing the Battle of the Ourcq. Today, the surrounding municipalities retain the historical memory through cemeteries filled with war graves, serving as a poignant reminder of those lost.

Exhibits and Highlights

The Great War Museum is designed as an immersive journey through time, featuring explanations in French, English, and German for a diverse audience. Visitors begin in the late 19th century, witnessing life prior to the war, characterized by grand houses, factories, and the absence of social security. As they progress, an evocative reconstruction of the battlefields unfolds, showcasing the contrast between trenches and the feared no-man’s-land.

The museum’s themes extend beyond warfare, highlighting the role of women and daily life in wartime. The section named Bodies and Souls starkly depicts the consequences of extreme violence, while also underscoring medical advancements that resulted from the war.

Visitor Information

Admission

• Adults: €10
• Students under 26, seniors over 65, war veterans, military personnel: €7
• Children under 18: €5
• Free admission for children under 8, teachers, and museum professionals; Family ticket (two adults and two children): €25

Audio tours are available in French, English, or German for an enriched experience.

Opening Hours

• May to September: Daily except Tuesday, 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
• October to April: Daily except Tuesday, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
• Closed: Tuesday, January 1, May 1, December 25

The museum features a café offering light snacks and drinks.

Travel Information

Meaux is located approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) east of Paris.

• By car: Take the A4 motorway from Paris and follow the signs to Meaux; free parking is available at the museum.
• By train: Trains from the Gare de l’Est take about 30 minutes to reach Meaux railway station; bus line M6 is accessible from the station.