Museum of the Great War in Meaux

The Museum of the Great War, also known as M2G, is a museum dedicated to World War I. It is located in Meaux, France, which is approximately 50 kilometers east of Paris. The museum was inaugurated on November 11, 2011, and offers a comprehensive look at the First World War.

The Collection of Jean-Pierre Verney

The Museum of the Great War was made possible by the acquisition of the private collection of Jean-Pierre Verney in 2005. Verney is a recognized specialist of World War I. His collection includes uniforms, everyday objects, artillery pieces, newspapers, and more. This diverse collection allows visitors to explore all aspects of the war and learn about all the countries that were involved in this first global conflict.

Location and Historical Significance

The Museum of the Great War is located northeast of Meaux, near the Varreddes road (D 405). The museum is situated on a dedicated route that pays tribute to Lazare Ponticelli, the last French and Italian veteran of World War I. It is also near the sites of the two Battles of the Marne, which took place in 1914 and 1918. These battles were two decisive moments of World War I.

Battlefield Reconstruction and Museum Perspective

Visitors to the Museum of the Great War can access a reconstruction of a battlefield. This includes a French trench, a no man's land, and a German trench. The museum puts the two Battles of the Marne into perspective and illustrates the evolution of nations and men during the four years of war. This makes it a generalist museum on World War I.