Menin Gate in Ypres to undergo two years of renovation
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is planning a thorough restoration of the Menin Gate in Ypres in 2023. The CWGC announced this on Thursday. The restoration works will take about two years.
During the renovation, the natural stone elements will be cleaned and repaired and the brick façades will be grouted again. Name panels will be cleaned and repaired where necessary, and a new waterproof seal will be placed on the roof. Various repairs will also be carried out to the cellars, stair towers, ceilings and bronze openings in the roof.
The CWGC will provide information about the renovation at various locations and offer visitors alternative innovative ways to explore the monument. The daily Last Post will be able to continue.
In the meantime, the CWGC has applied for a premium for the "Heritage and Tourism" fund launched by Flemish Minister of Immovable Heritage Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) in 2021. By early December at the latest, the Minister will decide on the approval of the 1.6 million euro premium. The city of Ypres also provides a subsidy worth 300,000 euros.
© BELGA PHOTO POOL KURT DESPLENTER