A woman tries the 360° experience Aug. 21, 2019, at the Mons Memorial Museum in Mons, Belgium. (U.S. Army photo by Christophe Morel)
 

Mons Memorial Museum offers World War II virtual reality experience
 

CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- First, I saw Belgian resistance fighters preparing an ambush against a German convoy. I could see them on the street, and I could hear them talking. I then heard the explosion, and I saw the fire. Around me, there were trees and then flames. Above me, there was the sky.

Sometimes, I had the feeling that I could talk to the resistance fighters so I could help them with their mission.  A few minutes later, everything was over.

I was not in 1944 anymore. I was in 2019 at the Mons Memorial Museum.  Nothing I experienced was real. I sat in a chair with virtual reality goggles over my eyes and an audio headset over my ears.

Museum visitors can try this 360° experience from Aug. 31, 2019 to June 28, 2020. During the experience, visitors are fully immersed in history. They feel like they traveled back in time and stepped into the shoes of an American Soldier, a German Soldier, a Belgian resistance fighter or a Belgian civilian. After experiencing this immersion, participants can better relate to the spirit of 1944.

The experience is for children over age 10 and adults.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the museum’s permanent exhibition. They can learn about the experiences of Soldiers and civilians who lived through the international conflicts that took place in and around Mons between the Middle Ages and the 20th century.

The Mons Memorial Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

On Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, the museum will offer free admission in celebration of Tanks in Mons. On Saturday, the museum will extends its hours until 11 p.m.

The museum is located on Boulevard Dolez, 51. For more information, visit https://www.monsmemorialmuseum.mons.be. 

By Christophe Morel, USAG Benelux Public Affairs