Fort de Boncelles

About the museum

Fort de Boncelles is one of the twelve semi-sunken forts of the Liège fortified position. Built between 1888 and 1892 to designs by General Brialmont, it is made of unreinforced concrete. In August 1914 its garrison of around 400 men repelled German assaults from 5 August; on the 14th a heavy bombardment put the fort out of action, and surrender was decided on the morning of 15 August.

In May 1940 the fort was bombarded from 14 to 16 May. On 16 May German sappers detonated a charge at the escarp postern, killing Commander Numa Charlier. The fort was taken, but it did not surrender: the commander is remembered for the phrase “Me rendre ? Jamais !” (“Surrender? Never!”), inscribed on the monument dedicated to him opposite the street that bears his name.

Long left abandoned, the fort has been restored since 2022 by the Association de Sauvegarde et de Valorisation du Fort de Boncelles (ASVFB), with support from the tourist office and the City of Seraing. Guided tours have been held since July 2023: visitors, equipped with a helmet and headlamp, discover the installations and the murals painted by the soldiers.

Highlights

• Caving-style visit, with helmet and headlamp
• Murals painted by soldiers on the fort walls
• The story of Commander Numa Charlier and the resistance of 1940
• Video screening at the end of the visit
• Restoration carried out by volunteers

Permanent exhibition

• Les fresques des soldats – Paintings made by the soldiers on the fort walls, fairly well preserved: some show weapons and how they work, others the soldiers' dreams.

Operated by

Association de Sauvegarde et de Valorisation du Fort de Boncelles (ASVFB)

Admission & discounts

Prices announced by the Seraing tourist office (2024-2025). Partial refund if cancelled at least 48 hours before the visit.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: not available
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site is not accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Dogs are not admitted.

Kids & families

Recommended for ages 6+

Children from age 6 are accepted; the visit is not recommended below that age. Child rate of €7.50.

Getting there & parking

Meeting point at the fort, rue du Commandant Charlier.

Amenities & dining

Toilets on site and a small bar offered during visits.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit