The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing is a war memorial in Ypres, Belgium, dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient during World War I and whose graves are unknown. Designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield and built by the Imperial War Graves Commission, it stands on the site of the medieval Menin Gate, which served as the eastern exit from the town toward the front lines.
The structure is a large triumphal arch inscribed with the names of 54,395 soldiers. Since 1928, the Last Post ceremony has been performed daily at the memorial by the local fire brigade, serving as a continuous act of remembrance for the fallen.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Portland stone, Brick
- Civilization
- British Empire
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible at street level
- Date(s)
- 1923-1927
- Condition
- Well-preserved, active memorial site
- Original Function
- War memorial
- Key Figures
- Sir Reginald Blomfield, Field Marshal Lord Plumer
Strategic Significance
1914-1918During the First World War, the Menin Gate was the main exit from Ypres for Allied troops heading to the front lines of the Ypres Salient. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers passed through the gate, many never to return.
Design and Construction
1923-1927Following the war, the Imperial War Graves Commission commissioned Sir Reginald Blomfield to design a memorial. The site was chosen for its historical significance as the gateway to the battlefield. It was unveiled on July 24, 1927.
The Last Post Tradition
1928-PresentThe Last Post ceremony was inaugurated in 1928. With the exception of the German occupation during World War II, the ceremony has been held every evening at 8:00 PM, maintaining a continuous tradition of remembrance.
Cultural Significance
The Menin Gate is a primary symbol of the British and Commonwealth experience in the First World War. It represents the scale of loss in the Ypres Salient and serves as a focal point for international pilgrimage and remembrance, particularly for families of the missing.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
There is ongoing discussion regarding the limitations of the memorial's capacity. Because the number of missing soldiers exceeded the space available on the gate, many names were omitted and are instead commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
The memorial is open to the public at all times. The Last Post ceremony takes place daily at 20:00; visitors are advised to arrive early as the area becomes very crowded.
Best Times to Visit
The evening ceremony at 20:00 is the most significant time to visit. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Photography
Photography is permitted, but visitors are expected to maintain a respectful demeanor during the daily Last Post ceremony.
Nearby POIs
14 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]
- [2]The Ypres Salient: A Guide — Holt, Tonie and Valmai. Pen and Sword Military (2014)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Portland stone, Brick
- Civilization
- British Empire
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible at street level