Remembering the Past with the Future
About the 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.
This state-of-the-art centre brings the First World War on the Western Front to life from an Australian perspective through a range of interactive multimedia installations and immersive experiences.
The Sir John Monash Centre provides an introduction to the Australian Remembrance Trail along the Western Front, which is structured around a number of significant sites on the former battlefields of the First World War, including memorials, cemeteries and museums.
History
The Sir John Monash Centre tells the story of the Australian experience on the Western Front during the First World War. It is located behind the Australian National Memorial at the top of Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery.
More than 295,000 Australians served on the Western Front between 1916 and 1918. Of these, 132,000 were wounded and 46,000 lost their lives. The Sir John Monash Centre ensures that the words, experiences and stories of sacrifice of these men and women are preserved for future generations.
The Centre is named after General Sir John Monash, who brilliantly commanded the Australian Corps on the Western Front in 1918. His victory in the famous Battle of Le Hamel became a model for subsequent military operations.
A story told by those who lived it
Drawing on an exceptional collection of Australia’s archives, the story of Australia’s involvement on the battlefields of the Western Front during the First World War is told directly from the diaries, letters and service records of the men and women on the ground. In addition, carefully selected historical artefacts and materials complement the captivating tour of the Centre.
A state-of-the-art Centre
With 427 screens, the Centre uses the latest technology to tell the story of those who served on the Western Front in a way that is engaging and informative for visitors of all ages, through an effective combination of historical re-enactments and archive footage featuring Australian servicemen and women.
The interpretative experience is built around a vast, immersive and emotional audiovisual installation. In the centre of the building, a 360-degree immersive gallery takes visitors to the heart of the battles of Villers-Bretonneux and Le Hamel.
An app connected to the whole site
At the Sir John Monash Centre, the SJMC app is your personal guide during your visit. Connected to all the site’s interactive installations, it enables visitors to gain a better understanding of the journey and contribution of the ordinary Australian on the Western Front.
The SJMC App is available in English, French, and German and requires headphones or earbuds to work properly. These can also be purchased in the Sir John Monash Centre café for €3. Free tablets are also available for children aged 6 to 11, to allow them to discover the history of the First World War through the Digger Quest App.
Schools and workshops
Designed to appeal to a young audience, the Sir John Monash Centre offers a variety of activities for school groups of all ages, including educational workshops and guided tours of the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery and the Australian National Memorial.
The Digger Quest App is available for primary school groups with children aged 6 to 11.
Workshops and presentations
The Sir John Monash Centre regularly invites partners to conduct workshops and presentations in the Patrick Simon AO room.
SJMC Café and boutique
The Sir John Monash Centre Café offers a comfortable and relaxing place to take a break during your visit. It offers a variety of homemade meals, cakes and hot drinks, and its shop also stocks a range of SJMC branded souvenirs.
Reservations are required for group lunches. Packed lunch options are also available on request.
The building
Australian materials, craftsmanship, culture and technology are showcased through the unique architecture of the Sir John Monash Centre and the use of wood in its finishing touches – the timbers used come from the six states and two territories that make up Australia. Similarly, particular care has been taken with the noble materials (solid bronze, granite, marble, white concrete) and finishes. In the foyer, a triangular oculus establishes a link with the tower of the Australian National Memorial.
