Bastogne War Museum: the best place to start
Before you walk the battlefield, spend two hours here. The museum explains why a small Belgian town became the symbol of American resistance in the Battle of the Bulge.
Updated September 27, 2026 · By the info-lux newsroom, Bastogne
The Bastogne War Museum sits on Mardasson Hill, next to the Mardasson Memorial. The tour is built around four witnesses: a Bastogne schoolteacher, a boy, an American GI and a German officer. It includes an audio guide and three immersive "scenovision" rooms. Allow about 2 hours, or half a day with everything. Adults €27 (2026). Open daily from 9:30 a.m., with shorter hours off-season, and closed for a few weeks in January–February.
How the visit works
This is not a museum of glass cases and dates. At the entrance you get an audio guide (English available). It follows four fictional but historically credible characters through the war: a Bastogne schoolteacher, a local boy, an American paratrooper and a German officer. You see the war through their eyes.
Three "scenovisions" put you inside the siege, including a cellar during the shelling and the woods at night. They combine sets, film and sound. The collection also includes important original artifacts, vehicles and uniforms.
How long, and in what order
- The museum itself takes about 2 hours.
- Then walk to the Mardasson Memorial, 100 yards away (30 min).
- If your ticket includes it, continue to the Bois Jacques foxholes, a few minutes' drive north.
The museum also runs the Bastogne War Rooms in town, the historic cellars of a house used during the siege. They require a separate ticket.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, from about 8 to 10 years old. The story is told through characters and avoids graphic images, while staying honest about what the war did to civilians and soldiers. The museum is fully indoors and heated, so it works well on a rainy or freezing Ardennes day.
Practical information
| Address | Colline du Mardasson 5, 6600 Bastogne, Belgium |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; until 7 p.m. in July and August; until 5 p.m. on December 24 and 31. Closed December 25 and January 1, and for several weeks between the Christmas and Carnival school holidays (January–February). |
| Tickets (2026) | Adults €27 · Students and visitors with disabilities €19. Book online in summer and school holidays. |
| Time needed | About 2 hours; half a day with the memorial |
| Phone / email | +32 61 21 02 20 · info@bastognewarmuseum.be |
| Website | bastognewarmuseum.be |
| Access | Large free parking lot; wheelchair accessible; café and gift shop on site |
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Bastogne War Museum cost?
In 2026, adult admission is €27 and reduced admission (students, visitors with disabilities) is €19. Check the official website for current prices and online booking.
How long does the Bastogne War Museum take?
Plan about 2 hours for the main tour, plus 30 minutes for the Mardasson Memorial next door.
Is the Bastogne War Museum in English?
Yes. The audio guide and the signs are available in English.
When is the Bastogne War Museum closed?
On December 25 and January 1, and for an annual closure of several weeks between the Christmas and Carnival school holidays (usually January to February).
Do I need to book in advance?
It is recommended in summer, during school holidays and around the December Nuts Weekend. Groups must book at least four working days ahead.
Sources: Bastogne War Museum (official website), Tourisme Wallonie, info-lux visit and cross-check (August 2026). Opening hours and prices change: check the official website before your visit. Written in English by the info-lux newsroom, independent regional news media based in the Belgian province of Luxembourg.