Visit the SJMC
Only a 90-minute drive from Paris, the Sir John Monash Centre offers an outstanding Western Front experience for visitors to the Somme region of France.
Offering an introduction to the Australian Remembrance Trail—which links battlefield sites from the Flanders region in southern Belgium down to the Somme River valley in northern France—the Sir John Monash Centre is a must see inclusion on any travel itinerary.
Opening hours
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 2025.
Admission
Entry is free.
Earphones recommended (available for purchase at 3€).
Advance booking is recommended.
What to expect
A visit to the Centre will vary in length, based on your interests, but we recommend allowing approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
To gain the full experience of the Centre, visitors need to use their own mobile devices, headphones or ear buds, combined with the SJMC App. Free Wi-Fi access is available across the site.
Before visiting the Centre you’re encouraged to download the SJMC app and fully charge your mobile device. A limited number of loan devices are available at the Centre.
Filming and Photography
You are welcome to take photos and films as part of your visit, for your personal, non-commercial use. However, please:
- avoid the use of flash and tripods
- avoid taking photos or filming people without permission
- avoid taking photos of children without permission from their parent or guardian
- look out for signs telling you where photography or filming is not allowed
- If you wish to take photographs or film for commercial use please speak to Centre staff
Visitor amenities
RESTROOMS
Accessible restrooms are available at the front of the site in the Orientation Building, and in the basement of the Sir John Monash Centre.
FOOD AND DRINKS
You can enjoy coffee, tea, light bites and hot food at the café.
We accept cash, Visa and Mastercard.
Food and drinks are not permitted in the galleries.
LOCKERS
Lockers are available.
While most strollers are permitted inside the Centre, please be advised that restrictions may apply.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Sir John Monash Centre has been designed to cater to visitors of varying abilities. To enter the centre there are a series of ramps and a lift is available in the main building to access the locker and restroom facilities. Please contact us before your visit if you have any specific concerns.
Trained, registered and visibly identified assistance animals are welcome when accompanied by their handler.
PARKING
Coach, car and disabled parking is available on site.
GROUP BOOKINGS
If you are travelling with a group, bookings are necessary to guarantee a booking time.
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