Musée Historial De La Grande Guerre
The Historial de la Grande Guerre is a leading museum dedicated to the First World War, exploring the conflict in its full breadth — cultural, social and military. The perspectives of the three main warring European nations on the Western Front (France, Germany and the United Kingdom) intersect throughout the exhibition, reflecting the imprint of the war as experienced both at the front and on the home front.
In 2026, the Somme department marks the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme with two temporary exhibitions at the Historial de la Grande Guerre, opening 26 June.
The first, “La Somme: les objets d’une bataille. Histoires de vies (1916-2026)”, explores the battle through material objects — trench art made by soldiers, mourning objects kept by families, and commemorative items produced by warring nations up to the present day.
The second, “La Somme se souvient. Regards de Claude Paul”, is a photography exhibition drawing on thirteen years of images by local photographer Claude Paul, documenting memorial sites and commemorations across the region.
Since 1 January 2025, the Somme departmental council has taken direct management of the Historial, alongside other regional heritage sites (Abbaye de Saint-Riquier, Samara, Citadelle de Doullens, Ribemont-sur-Ancre). This move reflects a strategic ambition built on three pillars: a museum open to its region and the world, a modernised and more accessible museum, and one that retains its core mission while addressing future challenges. Priority actions include improving preventive conservation, acquiring new objects, redesigning the permanent exhibition, creating a new “Après-guerre” room on the war’s aftermath, and developing high-quality touring exhibitions. The museum is located at the Château de Péronne, 80200 Péronne.
Place André Audinot 80200 Péronne France