At the heart of the Somme Battlefields, close to the Thiepval Memorial, the Historial welcomes visitors to Thiepval. The recent renovations to its shop, cafeteria, toilets and picnic area have enhanced the quality of the services provided at this site.
As an introduction to the new on-site museum, documentaries and panels in three languages (French, English and German) outline the history of the Great War, the Battle of the Somme, and the specific nature of this exceptional site of remembrance.
As an extension to the existing visitor centre, the new Thiepval museum opened in June 2016.
Built in complement to the existing centre, it is devoted to the history of the battles of the Somme, especially the Somme Campaign of 1916, and to the memory of the Missing. The permanent exhibition of 400m2 unites museum pieces, archaeological artefacts, multimedia, and large-scale installations such as the replica of Charles Guynemer’s aeroplane. The 60-metre long mural by Joe Sacco opens an imaginary window onto the 1 July 1916 battlefield.
This unique and original exhibition provides visitors with an informative experience charged with emotion.
Presentation of both museums of the Historial of the Great War (Péronne and Thiepval) :
