Home/Western Front/Somme/Historial

The Somme

The Ypres Salient

Reference

Remembering

Interpretations

Tours

An International Approach

The Historial de la Grande Guerre was opened on 1 August 1992. It is an international museum of comparative history. All presentations are made in three languages - French, English and German - to show the experiences of the major participants in the First World War and the impact of this conflict on the 20th century. The museum displays and film footage aim to show the visitor not only what life was like for the soldier in the front line, but also how he lived behind the lines. The effect of the Great War on the civilian populations who were occupied by an enemy force or were forced to flee their homes is an important part of the museum's exhibitions.

Documentation Centre

Open by appointment (09.00 hours to 12.00 hours and 14.00 hours to 17.00 hours). Entry is free. The Documentation Centre contains archives, photographs, postcards, brochures and other documents on the Great War. There is a library of over 4,000 books, and pamphlets and periodicals. The Centre aims to provide an international approach to the study of the military, political and cultural history of the Great War and its aftermath.

Group Visits

The Historial Group Programmes Department can provide information and reservations for group visits.

Contact : Dominique Frère / Évelyne Delannoy, commercial assistant.

Telephone +33 (0)3 22 83 54 14

Fax +33 (0)3 22 83 54 18

Email df17@historial.org

Location

The Historial is located in the centre of Péronne. There is car parking nearby.

Opening Hours

Daily 10.00 - 18.00 hours.

From 1st October - 31st March: The museum is closed on Mondays.

From mid December to mid January: The museum is closed.

Admission

Admission fees. See www.historial.org for details.

Facilities

Shop, selling a wide range of books related to the First World War; café; restaurant; toilets.

Historial de la Grande Guerre, Chateau de Péronne - BP 63, 80201 Péronne Cedex, France

Telephone +33 (0)3 22 83 14 18

Fax +33 (0)3 22 83 54 18

Email doc@historial.org

www.historial.org

Copyright Joanna Legg & Graham Parker © 2004 All rights reserved