Menin Gate to Host First Armistice Day Ceremony Post €6m Restoration

On Armistice Day, marked annually on November 11, Belgium pauses for a significant ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. The Menin Gate serves as a memorial for over 54,000 soldiers from the British Empire who perished in the First World War and remain unidentified. This year’s observance will be particularly special as it is the first ceremony following a €6 million restoration.

Comprehensive Restoration Efforts

The restoration of the Menin Gate was necessary due to decades of water damage requiring extensive repair works. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) and Bressers Architects undertook this challenging project, completing it in time for the annual commemoration.

The arch, constructed in 1927 and designed by architect Reginald Blomfield, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized in 2023. Regular inspections had indicated structural integrity; however, water ingress had caused visible cracks and weathering, prompting a need for complex restoration efforts.

Funding and Support

The restoration project was primarily funded by the CWGC, with significant contributions from various nations, including:

• Australia
• Canada
• India
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• United Kingdom

Additionally, the Flemish government provided €1.6 million, while the city of Ypres contributed €300,000.

Key Restoration Features

The restoration included multiple significant improvements:

• Cleaning of the Euville limestone facings and repointing of red brickwork.
• Refinishing and reinstallation of ironwork balustrades with new fixings for ease of future maintenance.
• Repair of the outer wall’s brick leaf, which had deteriorated post-World War II.
• Opening of a new visitor center adjacent to the gate.
• Introduction of a “living roof” to enhance sustainability, as requested by the Flemish authorities.

Thoughtful Tribute and Enhancements

The restoration also focused on preserving the gate’s historical integrity. New stone inserts were crafted with curvilinear shapes to blend seamlessly with the existing structure. Notably, only one water-damaged plaque was completely replaced, underscoring a commitment to authenticity.

Recent enhancements included the installation of LED lighting, elevating the Last Post ceremony experience. This daily ritual has been a pivotal part of the site’s memorial ethos for nearly a century, reinforcing the monument’s role in honoring memory.

A Legacy for Future Generations

Maarten Van Landeghem, a senior project manager at Bressers, emphasized that the Menin Gate’s restoration was not merely about preservation. It is about ensuring this monument continues to resonate with future generations. The successful completion of the project highlights the importance of teamwork and craftsmanship, solidifying the gate’s significance in commemoration.

The Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing, located 12 kilometers away, is set to undergo similar restoration efforts under the CWGC’s guidance.