Return of the Menin Gate lions
One of the first top moments of 2017 is the return of the ‘Menin Gate Lions’ to Ypres. The two stone lions, which each hold a shield bearing the coat-of-arms of Ypres and after 1822 stood on the old staircase of the Cloth Hall of Ypres, will be temporarily returned to their original home as part of the commemoration of the First World War.
After the shelling that reduced Ypres to ruins during the First World War, the lions, broken and damaged, were recovered from the devastation and in 1936 they were gifted by the mayor of Ypres to the Government of Australia as a gesture of friendship and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the Australian nation. Since then, they have stood guard at the entrance to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, where they have been admired by visitors from all over the world.
At the joint initiative of the Belgian and Australian governments, the lions will this year be returning temporarily to their symbolic home at the Menin Gate, as part of the 100th anniversary commemorations of some of the most crucial battles of the First World War, including the Third Battle of Ieper, the Battle of Paschendaele, the Mine Battle of Mesen and the Battle of Polygon Wood.
An official inauguration ceremony will take place on Monday 24 April 2017 and will be returned to the Australia after Armistice Day 2017.
The lion statues are free to visit.
