Bastogne War Rooms
Immersive recreation of the McAuliffe cellar in Bastogne, where the general answered ‘NUTS’ to the German demand for surrender in December 1944.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Bastogne War Rooms occupy an emblematic site of the Battle of the Bulge, on the site of the former military barracks of Bastogne. They house the McAuliffe cellar: on 22 December 1944, Brigadier General McAuliffe of the 101st Airborne Division uttered his famous ‘NUTS’ there in response to the demand for surrender from the German forces encircling the town.
This reply boosted the morale of the American defenders and made Bastogne and its garrison a symbol of resistance against the last great German offensive of the war.
The route is educational and relies on immersive staging that recreates the decisive moments experienced in these places, including the ‘NUTS’ scene. It complements the Bastogne War Museum, on the Mardasson hill, and the Bois Jacques battlefield: the visit is included in the same ticket.
Highlights
- McAuliffe cellar, where the ‘NUTS’ reply was given on 22 December 1944
- Historical recreation in immersive staging
- Route of about one hour, included in the Bastogne War Museum ticket
- Free parking on site
Permanent exhibition
- Parcours des Bastogne War Rooms – Educational route through the McAuliffe cellar, with a staged recreation of the ‘NUTS’ scene of 22 December 1944.
- Founded
- 2024
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €28 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €19.50Students and people with disabilities (€19.50, proof required); seniors aged 65 and over and teachers (€24.50) |
| Children & teens | €15.50free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 18; free for under-6s (directly on site). |
| Seniors | €24.50From age 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €19.50Persons with a disability. |
| Students & apprentices | €19.50On presentation of proof. |
| Groups (20+ people) | –Preferential rates for school groups, youth groups and adult groups of 20 or more; booking by e-mail. |
| Families | €72Family pack: 2 adults and 2 children aged 6 to 18. |
| Article 27 (directly on site) | €1.25 |
The Bastogne War Rooms have no separate ticket: admission is included in the ‘Full experience’ ticket of the Bastogne War Museum (route through the museum on the Mardasson, the Bois Jacques battlefield and the War Rooms, audio guide included), valid for six months. The prices shown are those of this ticket. Free for holders of a valid ICOM card and for accredited press.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the museum, the reception and visiting areas of the Bastogne War Rooms (ticket office, toilets, exhibitions) are accessible to people with reduced mobility; lifts connect the floors. A wheelchair is available on request from staff. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted; other animals are not.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
| Family ticket | €72 · Family pack: 2 adults and 2 children aged 6 to 18. |
The museum states that the experience is suitable for all ages; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Nearest SNCB station: Libramont. Bastogne is served by several TEC lines (lines 1, 6, 17, 80, 88, 89, 163C, 163D, 413, 857 and 1011); timetables are on infotec.be.
By car
Free parking
Free parking at the Bastogne War Rooms.
The War Rooms are a few kilometres from the Bastogne War Museum (Mardasson hill 5), on the site of the former military barracks.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The Bistrot de la Paix and the shop belong to the Bastogne War Museum, on the Mardasson hill.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photography is allowed without flash and with respect for other visitors; no professional equipment or tripods. |
| Good to know | The site is indoors; the visit lasts about an hour. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Smoking is prohibited. Online booking is recommended, especially at weekends, on public holidays and during school holidays. |
