Bastogne Barracks

Step into the heart of the Battle of the Bulge

Anyone interested in the Second World War and the history of the Ardennes should not miss Bastogne Barracks. This former military barracks played an important role during the Battle of the Bulge and housed the headquarters of the American 101st Airborne Division in December 1944.

This was where Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe was based when the American troops in Bastogne were surrounded by the German army. When the Germans issued an ultimatum demanding their surrender, he famously replied with the single word: “NUTS!”. The American troops held their ground until the encirclement was broken on 26 December.

Impressive military vehicles

Today, Bastogne Barracks is an important heritage site of the War Heritage Institute. In the various exhibition halls, you can discover an extensive collection of historic vehicles, armoured vehicles, artillery pieces and other military equipment from the Second World War.

In the Battle of the Bulge exhibition hall, you will find American and German vehicles and artillery pieces that were used during the Battle of the Bulge. You can also use virtual reality to explore the interior of a Sherman tank and learn more about the course of the battle.

The Mechanised Warfare exhibition is also well worth a visit. It features vehicles and military equipment from various countries and illustrates the development of mechanised warfare during the Second World War.

A special day out in Bastogne

Bastogne Barracks is much more than a traditional war museum. You are visiting a historic site where an important chapter of the Battle of the Bulge actually took place.

You can also combine your visit with the Bastogne War Museum, the Mardasson Memorial or a walk through the centre of Bastogne for a full day dedicated to the history of the Second World War in the Ardennes.

An impressive day out for anyone interested in history, military vehicles and the wartime past of the region.