Menin Gate Moments lets you take a visual journey through Menin Gate history

This in the presence of Claire Horton, general director of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, provincial governor Carl Decaluwé, mayor Emmily Talpe and the artist-illustrator Tom Clohosy Cole.

Menin Gate Moments tells the story of the Menin Gate and the restoration the piece of historical heritage is currently undergoing. The work of illustrator Tom Clohosy Cole takes you on a visual journey through the history of one of the most important war memorials in the world.

The exhibition takes its visitors through eight defining moments in the history of the Menin Gate; from a peaceful gateway to a prosperous city, to a bombed out passage where soldiers marched, fought and died along the Ypres Salient from 1914 to 1918. Finally, discover how the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) transformed the gate into the symbolic memorial with more than 54,000 engraved names of missing war victims, eternally honored for their ultimate sacrifice.

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Large-scale restoration and conservation project

To ensure the long-term preservation of the Menin Gate, the CWGC is undertaking a large-scale restoration and conservation project with a focus on ecology and sustainability.

During the exhibition you will find out which restoration steps are being taken so that future generations can also visit the monument, learn and remember. For looking up names on the Menin Gate, the CWGC now offers a digital alternative in its information center: an interactive screen with an automatic search function and a 3D model of the monument.

Director General of the CWGC, Claire Horton, says: “As one of the most iconic monuments in the world, The Menin Gate has become a global symbol of remembrance. Behind every engraved name is a human story. It is important to preserve the Menin Gate for future generations so that their names would never be forgotten. We invite everyone to this immersive and engaging exhibition to learn what the monument means to Ypres, the Commonwealth and the whole world.”

Strong impression

Tom Clohosy Cole on illustrating Menin Gate Moments: “This project for the CWGC, despite the challenge, was a lot of fun to do. Visiting Ypres, the Menin Gate and Tyne Cot Cemetery left a strong impression on me and helped bring these illustrations to life. Many things you read about in history books can no longer be seen or visited. Through the work of the committee you can walk around these war sites and discover the personal stories. I recommend it to everyone.”