Bastogne War Museum
Bastogne War Museum
4.5
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Just a stone's throw from the Mardasson, the Bastogne War Museum brings you into the turmoil of the Second World War and the battle of the Bulge through three visit experiences.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- JacqCEdinburgh, United Kingdom163 contributionsFantastic! Well worth a trip!Excellent museum with so much to see. Weaves in the personal perspectives of 4 main characters in the war on gulch shows how devastating the war was for everyone no matter what side. The virtual displays were very good. Would allow at least 3 hours to get round.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 October 2023
- Bevlar2015Norwich, United Kingdom33 contributionsA must visit in BastogneExcellent museum. Good use of audio-visuals and scenario as well as a wide range of artefacts. The use of 4 different characters on the audio works really well and gives you different perspectives. The video works well and the last room brings events up to 1989 linked to two residents of Bastogne. Good cafe for lunch. We spent nearly four hours there. Ticket gets you free parking in Bastogne for the day. Also ticket to Bois Jacques and the 101st foxholes.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 October 2023
- bonnie beerbowerPeachtree City, Georgia19 contributionslovely fall day in Bastone BelgiumBastone is an easy 1 hr drive from Luxembourg. We visited the WW2 Museum which is a very interesting museum. We then drove to see the Ardennes forest which was part of the museum tour. Bastone is a lovely little town and the countryside surrounding it is beautiful. Well worth taking a day to visit the WW2 historical city.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 November 2023
- Michael YMassachusetts324 contributionsGreat Museum - Don't Miss the Bois Jacque Option!A large, modern museum the Bastogne War Museum is well laid out. It has ample displays walking you through the timelines and offering impressive artifacts (cloths, guns, vehicles, and more) as well as movies and curated scenes to display the artifacts. Individual entry is 22e ($24USD), 5e to park, and they do offer lower family and group rates. The museum employs an “automated” audio tour (I’d recommend it) which is supposed to recognize the display you’re in front of and start playing the appropriate audio track. My friend and I had some issues with it switching back and forth (it restarts the audio, does not go back to where you might have left off). You should absolutely opt in for the Bois Jacques, a battlefield in the Ardennes woods just a couple of miles from the museum. The idea of actually standing in those woods still gives me goose bumps. Be mindful of the timing of putting your ticket in the turnstile though – we lost one of our tickets because I put it in before the machine gave me the ‘green light’ which, at the same time recognized my ticket and considered it used although the gate did not open. While I would not pass BWM up, if your time is limited I would recommend going to Musee De la Bataille Des Ardennes in La Roche (highest recommendation – see my review) or the Manhay History 44 Museum in Grandmeil. Both are within 30-40 minutes of Bastogne, cost less, and have more extensive and impressive private collections.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 8 January 2024
- Gary WMacclesfield, United Kingdom86 contributionsWalk in the steps of herosThe history and interactive exhits were brilliant. The ticket also gives you entry to Bois de Jacque where Easy Company 101st Airborne launched their attack from. It also gives you admission to Bastogne barracks where General McAuliffe was based. NUTS.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 30 May 2024
- gailc000Melbourne, Australia475 contributionsBastogne Museum Battle of the bulgeExcellent museum experience. We purchased ticket (27 euro adult, 24 senior) that included the museum entry , display in the war rooms in the town and entry to field of battle. The audio was included and once entering we were Introduced to four characters that we followed through the museum and through the battle of the bulge . There were four excellent video/ visual presentations ( enactments) - all impressive. With the 4 characters each updating you on their life at the time , we wandered through the museum looking at exhibits and reading information about the battle. The exhibits included Jeep, motorbike, plane etcVisited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 May 2024
- Kevin T12 contributionsA good museum but too general for me.Really liked the audio - walk around and it starts in the right places. Follows 4 characters through the museum which is a good way of telling the story from all sides. The 4 video/audio presentations were very innovative and well worth the visit. I just found the museum too general; I know that the story of the war has to be told, however would have liked much more about Bastogne and the area. Having access to three places on one ticket is superb, but not cheap. The Bois Jaques foxholes are must!!Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 June 2024
- Wanderer359966 contributionsOne of my favorite museumsVery interesting museum. I enjoyed following the stories of the people who lived through the war and finding out what happened to them after the war. I highly recommend the audio guide. The Bois Jacques where the foxholes are is so special to walk through. The Bastogne War Rooms were very interesting and educational. Money well spent!!Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 June 2024
- Lindy87121 contributionsImpressive and affectingA really impressive museum, which is set out as a walk through, taking you through the build up to WW2, the war itself and its devastating impact on the area, specifically the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes. Following four characters through events, the excellent audio tour automatically connects you to each section of the exhibits, presentations and tableaus as you progress. Whilst admission is relatively expensive, it does include entry to other local WW2 locations in the area and we felt it was worth the cost. Allow at least 2-3 hours for the museum and a visit to the nearby memorial.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 June 2024
- Jonathan THope, Indiana403 contributionsSimply the Best!IF there is a better war museum anywhere in the world, we have not seen it. The concept behind the audio guides where the visitor hears the first person memories of four disparate individuals whose lives were affected by events in and around Bastogne during World War II is brilliant. By the end of the visit, I genuinely cared about each of them. ALL of the theaters are impressive and every display is worthy of attention. Do NOT miss this museum if history matters to you...and it should!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 June 2024
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Kelly B
Iowa5,470 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
The lady at the ticket desk told us it would take about 2 hours to go through the museum; I think that’s unrealistic unless you skip things and/or practically run through it. It took us about 3 hours, and that was with skipping the 45 minute Generations movie.
I thought it was a very well done museum. The 3 permanent movies we did watch were really good. My favorite was the one towards the end, with Emil. It was neat how the floors divide.
We planned to eat at the onsite cafe, but it was packed with school kids, so we ate in town later instead.
Included in the ticket price is admission to Bois Jacques woods, made famous from the Band of Brothers book and TV series. It’s about a 5 minute drive from the museum, and easy to find. The parking lot is small. We spent about 20 minutes walking through the woods.
I thought it was a very well done museum. The 3 permanent movies we did watch were really good. My favorite was the one towards the end, with Emil. It was neat how the floors divide.
We planned to eat at the onsite cafe, but it was packed with school kids, so we ate in town later instead.
Included in the ticket price is admission to Bois Jacques woods, made famous from the Band of Brothers book and TV series. It’s about a 5 minute drive from the museum, and easy to find. The parking lot is small. We spent about 20 minutes walking through the woods.
Written 10 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate W
Great Malvern, UK49 contributions
Jul 2023
Having watched "Band of Brothers" I was aware of the Battle of the Bulge and the history of Bastogne. However the museum provides an excellent overview of the run up to WW2 and the importance of the German counter offensive in Dec 1944. A tour of the museum takes a good 2 hours and is well worth the cost. The set commentary provided was very interesting.
It is also worth going to visit the foxholes in the woods overlooking Foy, this is covered by the entry fee to the museum.
It is also worth going to visit the foxholes in the woods overlooking Foy, this is covered by the entry fee to the museum.
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BarrHarr
Greater London, UK26 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Arrived on a rainy afternoon. Parking spaces were very limited due to the crowds and had to drive around car park 3 times.Queued for a half hour. One person issuing tickets. Not enough on a busy day. And not cheap at €27 per adult plus parking.The museum has some great exhibits but tries to cover the whole of WW2. Should stick with Benelux and the Battle of the Bulge where it’s really interesting and the sections on Belgians attitude to the occupiers were new to me and well presented. Directions need work as people were starting at the wrong ending of the narrative and trying to double back looking confused. Took a recording device but soon switched it off as the narrative didn’t always match the room I was in. Stood in the gift shop line for 10 minutes then put my selection back on the shelf. Maybe on another day when not so busy this is a great museum to visit but it didn’t handle the crowds well. Refocus - sometimes less is more.
Written 29 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gailc000
Melbourne, Australia475 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Excellent museum experience. We purchased ticket (27 euro adult, 24 senior) that included the museum entry , display in the war rooms in the town and entry to field of battle. The audio was included and once entering we were Introduced to four characters that we followed through the museum and through the battle of the bulge . There were four excellent video/ visual presentations ( enactments) - all impressive.
With the 4 characters each updating you on their life at the time , we wandered through the museum looking at exhibits and reading information about the battle. The exhibits included Jeep, motorbike, plane etc
With the 4 characters each updating you on their life at the time , we wandered through the museum looking at exhibits and reading information about the battle. The exhibits included Jeep, motorbike, plane etc
Written 31 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thde2016
Rixensart, Belgium148 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Very interested in the Second World War and managing our FB group on this subject, we go to several sites in Europe to visit them and share them. Bastogne is of course one of them (6 visits) but now I admit that I'm moving on... The prices are simply exorbitant 😱😱... 72 euros if you take the complete package for 2 adults and 1 child! !!!
5 euros for parking (this will certainly chill more than one person, not to mention the problems that the system seems to encounter), 27 euros for the complete formula and valid for 1 week (not everyone stays on site) or 22 euros for the War Museum alone and 17 for the War Rooms alone???? This amounts to just making money on the memory of these poor people... How can we justify such a price?? Still happy that they didn't fence off the Peace Woods... because when we see the Bois Jacques now it looks like a prison. Even in France (Normandy) some larger and much better “supplied” museums do not charge such a price. This borders on indecency.
Too bad because even if the museum is a little too educational (we present fewer vehicles and objects than in the past but a lot of texts), the staging is good but not always easy to follow. This is good for schools and large groups who have little or no knowledge of this period but does not really show the true face of the conflict that took place. For real amateurs on the other hand...
In summary thank you to the city of Bastogne which seems to make it a real business more than a work of memory while in addition they are subsidized... In summary I visited the shop and I went to see the neighboring museums (Airborne , Barracks, Rock). I still stopped at War Rooms (Nuts) but as said above, 17 euros for what I saw is frankly overrated. If you want to have a monopoly, you shouldn't be surprised by certain reactions.
5 euros for parking (this will certainly chill more than one person, not to mention the problems that the system seems to encounter), 27 euros for the complete formula and valid for 1 week (not everyone stays on site) or 22 euros for the War Museum alone and 17 for the War Rooms alone???? This amounts to just making money on the memory of these poor people... How can we justify such a price?? Still happy that they didn't fence off the Peace Woods... because when we see the Bois Jacques now it looks like a prison. Even in France (Normandy) some larger and much better “supplied” museums do not charge such a price. This borders on indecency.
Too bad because even if the museum is a little too educational (we present fewer vehicles and objects than in the past but a lot of texts), the staging is good but not always easy to follow. This is good for schools and large groups who have little or no knowledge of this period but does not really show the true face of the conflict that took place. For real amateurs on the other hand...
In summary thank you to the city of Bastogne which seems to make it a real business more than a work of memory while in addition they are subsidized... In summary I visited the shop and I went to see the neighboring museums (Airborne , Barracks, Rock). I still stopped at War Rooms (Nuts) but as said above, 17 euros for what I saw is frankly overrated. If you want to have a monopoly, you shouldn't be surprised by certain reactions.
Written 4 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sausagekay
London, UK45 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
An enjoyable visit to the 3 museums gave us an insight into this monumental battle. We spent 3 hours one afternoon at the War museum, which was a mix of audio guides, displays and films, and then the next morning at the Barracks museum and the Bois Jacques. You can visit all 3 sites on the same ticket, and it was worth it to piece the whole story together.
Whilst there were frustrations at times, on the whole, the museums were thoughtfully out together using mixed media, interactive elements and above all, personal stories which brought this period of history to life. Worth a visit.
Whilst there were frustrations at times, on the whole, the museums were thoughtfully out together using mixed media, interactive elements and above all, personal stories which brought this period of history to life. Worth a visit.
Written 21 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindy87
Oxfordshire, UK121 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
A really impressive museum, which is set out as a walk through, taking you through the build up to WW2, the war itself and its devastating impact on the area, specifically the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes. Following four characters through events, the excellent audio tour automatically connects you to each section of the exhibits, presentations and tableaus as you progress. Whilst admission is relatively expensive, it does include entry to other local WW2 locations in the area and we felt it was worth the cost. Allow at least 2-3 hours for the museum and a visit to the nearby memorial.
Written 18 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
forespa
86 contributions
May 2024 • Family
The museum is very didactic and therefore suitable for school groups or for those who know little about the history of the Second World War (the exhibition starts from 1939 and gives a lot of space to the Normandy landings as well as, obviously, the battle of Bastogne). The price is truly excessive (27 euros, so 100 euros wasn't enough for me traveling with my family!!!) considering that the audio guides are not available in Italian. Furthermore, in the section in the woods (Bois Jacques) the internet reception - including the wi-fi "offered" by the museum - is so insufficient that it took 20 minutes to download the application. So I don't recommend it for the quality/price ratio.
Written 1 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ramylars
Panheel, The Netherlands128 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Yesterday we visited Bastogne and therefore also the Bastogne War Museum.
We actually started at the end of the tour (the café), it was a long drive to Bastogne... Café is well maintained, looks really French. After a sentence and a half of "French" the staff noticed that we were not from the area and answered in excellent Dutch. Wallonia is changing it seems :)
Anyway, it started to get quite busy in the parking lot, so it was high time to buy a ticket and receive a headset. My headset was still busy telling the end of the story, so it took a while before we could start at the beginning.
I like the format, but sometimes it is difficult to both read and listen, and what you read does not always correspond to what you are listening to, which can be confusing.
It's nice that we work with four characters, each representing a different aspect of the war. It's good that the Germans are not left out for once, interesting to see the story from their perspective.
What disappointed me a little bit is that the first part of the tour (on the ground floor) describes the war more broadly. The Belgian part is interesting, especially the various resistance groups and the role they played.
The basement (with the Battle of Bastogne and also the entire Battle of the Bulge section) is a lot more interesting. In addition, two "experience films" are shown in beautifully decorated rooms, which really adds something.
Finally, we were able to admire the experience of generation 45, which was beautifully decorated (with the destroyed street and the entrance to the cinema), the film was also beautiful to see. It is sad to note that we have learned little from recent history. The film concludes that there has been no conflict in Europe since then, but unfortunately we now have to conclude otherwise. I still walked out of the cinema with some disappointment. When you enter the café you see about 15 personal stories of people who played a role in the conflict, which is also confrontational.
Then enjoyed a delicious sandwich and on to Bois Jacques.
This museum is definitely recommended!
We actually started at the end of the tour (the café), it was a long drive to Bastogne... Café is well maintained, looks really French. After a sentence and a half of "French" the staff noticed that we were not from the area and answered in excellent Dutch. Wallonia is changing it seems :)
Anyway, it started to get quite busy in the parking lot, so it was high time to buy a ticket and receive a headset. My headset was still busy telling the end of the story, so it took a while before we could start at the beginning.
I like the format, but sometimes it is difficult to both read and listen, and what you read does not always correspond to what you are listening to, which can be confusing.
It's nice that we work with four characters, each representing a different aspect of the war. It's good that the Germans are not left out for once, interesting to see the story from their perspective.
What disappointed me a little bit is that the first part of the tour (on the ground floor) describes the war more broadly. The Belgian part is interesting, especially the various resistance groups and the role they played.
The basement (with the Battle of Bastogne and also the entire Battle of the Bulge section) is a lot more interesting. In addition, two "experience films" are shown in beautifully decorated rooms, which really adds something.
Finally, we were able to admire the experience of generation 45, which was beautifully decorated (with the destroyed street and the entrance to the cinema), the film was also beautiful to see. It is sad to note that we have learned little from recent history. The film concludes that there has been no conflict in Europe since then, but unfortunately we now have to conclude otherwise. I still walked out of the cinema with some disappointment. When you enter the café you see about 15 personal stories of people who played a role in the conflict, which is also confrontational.
Then enjoyed a delicious sandwich and on to Bois Jacques.
This museum is definitely recommended!
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1991KEB
Navarre, FL1,639 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Give this museum at least three hours for this is the ground this whole battle took place. They have amazing memorabilia and I loved that the view was from 4 different individuals. The monument was just amazing and the staff here was extremely helpful.
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry, honden zijn niet toegelaten in het museum
Written 1 July 2019
Beste, u vindt alle info over openingsuren op onze website
Written 1 July 2019
bonjour
vu que la visite est assez longue
1-, y a-t-il une cafétaria ou quelque chose ou l on peut se désaltérer?
2-pour un couple de seniors n'est-ce pas fatiguant?
MERCI
Written 9 January 2017
Bonjour,
1 - Oui il y a une cafeteria très bien tenue avec différentes sortes de bière et autres boissons classiques.
2- Non ce n'est pas fatiguant le tout est plane et bien aménagé, les seniors peuvent s'y rendre sans problèmes.
Bien à vous.
Yves Vn
Written 10 January 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Dayton, Ohio
What memorial as information about the 17th Airborne Division and specifically the
507th Parachute Infantry Regiment (United States). My Uncle was a Chaplin for
that unit.
Written 30 March 2015
If he fought in the battle his unit would be listed on the American memorial in Bastogne. As far as what each individual unit did I would look it up on the Internet. The memorial is at least 5 stories high in the shape of a star. The units are shown on the columns. White marble if I remember right. It was VERY impressive. Hope this helps.
Written 31 March 2015
We are planning on driving from Amsterdam to Bastogne, (about 200 miles) Is there a preferred or better route to take? Has anyone made the drive? Route E25 southbound and Route E19 to E411 to E46 northbound.
We are planning on returning to Amsterdam several days later by driving back and stopping in Brussels.
Any suggestions of which roads to take is appreciated.
Patrk71
Written 3 February 2015
Actually it was me writing the story but my sister Mariska was still logged in ;)
Written 5 February 2015
Hi Keith
I am visiting Bastogne at the end of May as a surprise present for my husbands 40th. Neither of us have been to the area before and I am wondering if you could offer me any information on the area. We will only be there for 3 days so if you could recommend any tours, guides or general places to see I would really appreciate it. Also would I be right in thinking that we would be better off hiring a car? We will be flying into Charleroi airport in Belgium.
Any kind of advise would be very much appreciated.
Kind regards
Edel
Written 8 January 2015
Bonjour, vous trouvez des conseils dans le brochure qui est sur notre site web
Written 1 July 2019
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