Bastogne War Museum
The Bastogne War Museum is the biggest, the oldest and the most known war museum in the Ardennes. A couple of years ago it was rebuild completely and it was given a setting that was much more wanted by the public. The museum reopened in march 2014.
Since 2024 you cna buy a combines ticket: you can visit the Bois Jacques and The Bastogne War Rooms.
The Bastogne War museum is not only displaying the Battle of the Bulge, it explains the whole world war II, wich might be a bit dissapointing to Battle of the Bulge buffs. Nevertheless, the museum is excellent for a very wide audience. It is not only looking at war stuff, but you also can experience war yourself.
Special item in this museum is the audio guide, wich is helpfull to understand all the things you see.
Outside the war museum, you will find the impressive Mardasson monument.
The Bastogne War Rooms, a historic site from World War II, preserve General McAuliffe’s cellar—where on December 22, 1944, the commander of the 101st Airborne Division delivered his legendary one-word reply, “NUTS,” to the German demand for surrender during the siege of Bastogne.
The museum has a nice collection inside and in the basement they are using immersive scenographic techniques. The Bastogne War Rooms take visitors on an educational journey that brings history to life, recreating key moments that unfolded here—including the legendary “NUTS” reply.
The Bois Jacques: During the Battle of Bastogne, the Bois Jacques forest witnessed fierce clashes between American and German forces. Today, this historic site has become a place of remembrance, where visitors can still see the soldiers’ defensive positions—the iconic “foxholes” dug into the ground for protection.
With the help of an augmented reality mobile app, visitors can step back in time and experience the daily life of American soldiers on this battlefield. Through six immersive 360° geolocated videos, you can follow the footsteps of the G.I.s and discover what it was like to endure the harsh conditions of the rifle pits.
The combined ticket is valid for seven days.
You wil find the museum here:
Colline du Mardasson, 5 – 6600 Bastogne
32 (0)61 210 220
Website: www.bastognewarmuseum.be
Practical information:
Open daily except on Monday (Please note that the Bastogne War Museum is open on Monday during school holidays and public holidays falling on Monday)
9.30 am to 6 pm (last entry at 4pm)
– from Tuesday until Sunday and public holidays outside school holidays
– from Monday until Sunday and public holidays during school holidays
9.30 am to 7 pm (last entry at 5pm)
– in July-August (every day) (from Monday until Sunday and public holidays)
Closed exceptionally on January 1st and December 25th
Prices: (audioguide included): Please check website
