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Bastogne's former military mess now is home to a museum fully dedicated to the Battle of the Ardennes/Bulge.  Its rich collections offer a real immersion in that tragic WW2 episode.

The building

This prestigious location, built in 1936 and once the Chasseurs Ardennais' officers' mess, was also used by the Wehrmacht during the occupation of Bastogne. After the war, the Red Cross set up a makeshift hospital there.

Impressive collections

The museum, which stretches over 4 floors,  focus on the units that took part in the conflict in and around Bastogne during the terrible winter of 1944-45. Among them was the famous 101st Airborne, immortalised in Steven Spielberg's Band of Brothers television series.

Beautiful displays present objects gathered by passionate collectors: personal everyday items, weapons, uniforms and genuine clothes, as well as various photographic documents. Visitors can admire realistic scenes complete with mannequins to better picture the era.

An immersive experience

In addition to its fine collection, visitors can immerse themselves in a frightening WW2 experience in the basement, where the sound and vibrations of a bombing raid have been realistically recreated. Many civilians sheltered from the bombs in their cellars, not knowing what devastation they would find if and when they emerged.

A home for veterans

The museum welcomes veterans and their family, helping them with their quests, searches and wish to visit the region's battlefields.

We do our best to keep you informed. It's best, however, to check the latest news with the attraction you are visiting, or operator you have booked an activity with. Read our travel advice.
This information is given for indication purposes only, best to check with the site you hope to visit before heading there - by phone, email, social media or simply by visiting their website.

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