Plugstreet 14-18 Experience
Semi-underground interpretation centre at Ploegsteert: five interactive stations on life at the front, the ANZAC and the Christmas Truce of 1914.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Plugstreet 14-18 Experience interpretation centre stands in Ploegsteert, in the municipality of Comines-Warneton, close to the British Memorial and the military cemeteries of Ploegsteert Wood, which are UNESCO-listed.
The building takes the form of a glass pyramid crowning a semi-underground space, inspired by the old underground galleries of the region. Inside, high-tech scenography, designed in partnership with the Australian government, tells the story of soldiers' and civilians' lives on the Western Front between 1914 and 1918.
The route is built around five stations: the origins of the conflict, an animated map of the front, the presence of Australian and New Zealand soldiers, everyday life and the paradoxes of war (propaganda, deprivation, coexistence, humour, the fraternisation of Christmas 1914) and, finally, a digital exploration of the places of remembrance in the surroundings. The visit continues outside along the Chemins du Souvenir (Paths of Remembrance), which lead in particular to the Christmas Truce site and to the cemeteries in the wood.
Highlights
- Glass pyramid above a semi-underground interpretation centre
- Animated relief map tracing the offensives and withdrawals of the front
- Station on the Australian and New Zealand soldiers (ANZAC) on giant touch screens
- Six themes on life at the front, including the Christmas Truce of 1914
- Treasure hunts and puzzles for families in Ploegsteert Wood
Permanent exhibition
- Le centre d’interprétation : une immersion en cinq stations – Interactive route under the glass pyramid: origins of the war, animated map of the front, ANZAC soldiers, everyday life at the front and places of remembrance in the surroundings.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7Seniors (over 60), students, young people from 12 years, people with reduced mobility and teachers |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Free for children under 6; reduced rate from 12 years. |
| Seniors | €7Over 60. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €7Reduced rate for people with reduced mobility. |
| Students & apprentices | €7 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €5 per person€5 per person from 10 people (self-guided visit). |
| Adult group guided tour – interpretation centre (per person) | €510 to 30 people per guide; guide flat fee charged in addition. |
| Guide flat fee (adult groups) | €40Per guide. |
| School groups – “Comines-Warneton Éducation” formula (half day, per pupil) | €10At least 20 pupils per guide. |
| School groups – full-day “14-18” (per pupil) | €14At least 20 pupils per guide. |
| Tommy's backpack (from 6 years) | €4Per participant. |
| Giant Cluedo “Who killed Colonel Smith?” | €3Per participant; on request for groups or on scheduled summer dates. |
| Treasure hunt “Wallangara: in search of the stolen plans” | €3Per participant; on request for groups or on scheduled summer dates. |
| “Wap aventure” booklet (ages 9 to 12) | €1Available at reception; also downloadable free of charge. |
Guides and journalists enter free of charge. Tickets must be booked online.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The centre holds the Access-i label and all its spaces are accessible to people with reduced mobility. A parking space for people with reduced mobility is located at the centre's address.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
The stations work on touch screens. For families: Tommy's backpack (puzzles within the scenography, from 6 years), the “Wap aventure” booklet (9 to 12 years) and treasure hunts in Ploegsteert Wood, including a giant Cluedo.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Ploegsteert Église · 10-min walk
From Comines SNCB station: TEC bus line 6, stop “Ploegsteert Église”, then a 10-minute walk. From Ypres SNCB station: De Lijn bus line 712, stop “Mémorial”.
By car
Parking available
Cars: rue de la Munque 18, 7782 Ploegsteert. Coaches, people with reduced mobility and cars: rue de Messines 156.
- Accessible parking
From Belgium: motorway A19, exit 2a, N58 (direction France), exit 8, then N515 towards Ploegsteert and N365 towards Messines. From France: motorway A25, exit 8, D945, N58 (direction Ypres), exit 8, then N515 and N365.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The Comines-Warneton Tourist Office is located in the hall of the centre.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
“Plugstreet Events” offer for seminars, meetings and team building: Pyramid room (100 m²), exhibition space (300 m²) and outdoor areas in spring and summer. Audiovisual equipment, catering and free parking; spaces accessible to people with reduced mobility; prices on request.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided visit of about 1 hour. Guided tours for adult and school groups by reservation; educational routes available at reception. Combinations possible with the Memorial, the Christmas Truce site or the ANZAC site (on request). |
