What to do · Bastogne
Bastogne War Rooms
Information
- Price
- Included in the Bastogne War Museum ticket
- Duration
- 1 h
- Who it's for
- From about age 12
What it is
The Bastogne War Rooms are the basement of the former Bastogne barracks where the command post of the 101st Airborne Division was during the siege of December 1944. Here, on 22 December, Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe answered the German request for surrender with a single word, "NUTS!". The reply raised the defenders' morale and made Bastogne a symbol of resistance against the last great German offensive of the war.
The basement opened as an interpretation centre in February 2024 and is run by the team at the Bastogne War Museum.
What you see
It is an indoor visit. Using immersive staging techniques, the rooms recreate the key moments of the siege as they were lived in this place, with the "NUTS" scene at the centre. It is not a museum of display cases: it is a staging on the real site, designed to help you understand what was being decided underground while the town was surrounded.
Allow an hour.
Where it is
At rue de La Roche 38D, in the grounds of the former military base, a few kilometres from the Mardasson museum. Next door, at number 40, is the Bastogne Barracks, the War Heritage Institute's vehicle centre: you can see both in the same morning. There is free parking in front.
Opening hours
It opens at 9:30 and follows the Bastogne War Museum's hours; in November 2026, 9:30 to 18:00. Check the website for the hours on the day you go.
Admission
There is no separate ticket: the visit is included in the Bastogne War Museum ticket, which costs €28 for adults and €15.50 for children aged 6 to 18, with the Bois Jacques also included. The ticket is valid for six months for the parts you have not seen, without booking again. It is bought on the museum website or at the Mardasson ticket office.
How to organise it
The most convenient way is to do the museum first, to have the context of the battle, and the War Rooms afterwards. If you are short of time, you can split it: the museum and the Bois Jacques one day, and the War Rooms with the Barracks another.
Accessibility, age and dogs
The museum states that the War Rooms are accessible to people with reduced mobility; if in doubt, call reception (+32 61 21 02 20). Because of the subject and the atmosphere, it works better with teenagers; under-12s must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs may not enter, except assistance dogs.
Tips
- Go after the museum The "NUTS" scene is better understood once you have seen the Mardasson museum.
- Combine it with the Barracks It is on the same street, a few steps away: add an hour and a half more with the wartime vehicles.
- Keep your ticket It is valid for six months to come in here if you do not have time on the day of the museum.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter the Bastogne War Rooms?
They are included in the Bastogne War Museum ticket: €28 for adults and €15.50 for children aged 6 to 18.
Where are the War Rooms?
At rue de La Roche 38D, on the former Bastogne military base, next to the Bastogne Barracks.
What happened here?
From this basement General McAuliffe answered "NUTS!" to the German request for surrender, on 22 December 1944.
With teenagers
