Fort Eben-Emael

About the museum

Fort Eben-Emael is part of the fortified belt of Liège. Construction began in 1932 and was largely completed in 1935. The fort was dug into a marl hill, on three underground levels linked by more than five kilometres of galleries. Its military grounds covered 75 hectares, 45 of them on the upper plateau. The barracks could accommodate up to 1,200 soldiers, and the fort had 17 firing positions, which made it one of the most powerful military fortifications in Europe.

On 10 May 1940, German paratroopers landed by glider on the roof of the fort. It was the first airborne special operation of this kind and marked the start of the Second World War in Belgium. The fort surrendered on 11 May. Soldiers and civilians died in the fort during the fighting, and the site is today a place of remembrance as well as a place to visit.

During the occupation the Germans used the fort as a barracks. After the war access remained prohibited for a long time. Since 1988 an association has been restoring it with the help of the Defence force. Visitors can now discover the museum in the underground barracks, the galleries, the command post, the infirmary and an original assault glider. An immersive 180° experience of the attack of 10 May 1940 is included in the admission price.

Highlights

• More than 5 km of galleries on three underground levels
• Museum in the underground barracks
• DFS 230 assault glider in its original configuration
• Immersive 180° experience of the attack of 10 May 1940
• Equipped infirmary with operating room
• Combat blocks, command post and artillery turrets

Permanent exhibitions

• Le musée de la caserne souterraine – Two former hospital rooms recount the attack on the fort and on the three bridges over the Albert Canal on 10 May 1940. A small room evokes the V1 weapons and life in the Geer valley under occupation.
• Le planeur d'assaut DFS 230 – An assault glider reconstructed from three original aircraft, with its cockpit and period instrument panel.
• Granit's Attack at Dawn – Immersive 180° experience of the German attack of 10 May 1940, included in the admission price.

Founded

1932

Admission & discounts

Self-guided visit with audio guide: €15 for adults from 18. €6 for Belgian veterans; free for Belgian military personnel on duty. Discounts obtained by voucher or through a partner association must be presented at reception. School groups: €4 to €6 per pupil, depending on the package. Payment at reception in cash, by Payconiq or by bank card.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

The underground barracks and the museum are wheelchair-accessible. A lift serves the intermediate gallery level, part of which is accessible with assistance. The combat blocks are never accessible; their many stairs make the visit inadvisable for people with heart conditions or reduced mobility. Dogs on a leash are admitted.

Kids & families

Reduced rate from age 7, free below that age. Discovery visits are reserved for people aged 16 and over. Tailored packages are offered to primary and secondary school classes.

Getting there & parking

The Lixhe bridge has been under renovation since 26 January 2026 for about 14 months: allow extra time for the journey.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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