The site of the ruins of Sapigneul Church. On the right of the image is the sculpture of ‘the owl of Sapigneul’.

The Sir John Monash Centre is open

The Sir John Monash Centre is open daily from 9:30am to 6pm.

Book your visit – The Sir John Monash Centre is open

Temporary exhibition

The Australian Army from Gallipoli to the Western Front

This exhibition explores the formation of the Australian Imperial Force, the challenges of the Gallipoli campaign and evacuation, the restructuring of the AIF and its transfer to the Western Front, where new turmoil began.

Learn More The Australian Army from Gallipoli to the Western Front

History

Private Gaston Griffart, a link between France and Australia

A small Franco-Australian service paid tribute to Gaston Griffart, a soldier who died for France during the Battle of the Marne.

Read the article – Private Gaston Griffart, a link between France and Australia

Temporary exhibition

Bringing their spirits home by Joe Flick

This deeply personal project follows Joe Flick’s journey to honour First Nations soldiers of the First World War who never returned home.

Learn More Bringing their spirits home by Joe Flick

At the Centre

The 2026 Sadlier Stokes Prize Winners

The Australian Embassy in France and the Sir John Monash Centre are pleased to announce the three winners of the 2026 Sadlier Stokes Prize.

Read the article – The 2026 Sadlier Stokes Prize Winners

About the Sir John Monash Centre

Sometimes harrowing, often moving—the Sir John Monash Centre tells Australia’s story of the Western Front, in the words of those who served.

Learn more – About the Sir John Monash Centre

The Sir John Monash Centre tells Australia’s story of the Western Front in the words of those who served.

Set on the grounds of the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery in northern France, and adjacent to the Australian National Memorial, the Sir John Monash Centre is the hub of the Australian Remembrance Trail along the Western Front, and establishes a lasting international legacy of Australia’s Centenary of Anzac 2014-2018.

 

Direction totem at the SJMC orientation building.

Access and information

Location:

Route de Villers-Bretonneux, behind the Australian National Memorial.

Opening times:

From March to October (inclusive): open every day from 9:30am to 6pm.

From November to February (inclusive): open every day from 10am to 5pm.

Closed on 1 May 2026.

Entrance fee:

Free entrance. Earphones recommended (available for purchase at 3€).

 

 

ABOUT THE CENTRE

This cutting-edge multimedia centre reveals the Australian Western Front experience through a series of interactive media installations and immersive experiences. The SJMC App, downloaded on each visitor’s personal mobile device, acts as a ‘virtual tour guide’ over the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, the Australian National Memorial and the Sir John Monash Centre.

The experience is designed so visitors gain a better understanding of the journey of ordinary Australians — told in their own voices through letters, diaries and life-size images — and connect with the places they fought and died. A visit to the Sir John Monash Centre will be a moving experience that leaves a lasting impression.

 

 

 

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