Fort de Tancrémont

About the museum

Fort de Tancrémont is part of the Liège fortified position. Construction began in May 1935 on a schist spur at an altitude of about 300 m, and the fort was inaugurated on 8 August 1937. The military domain covers 45 hectares. The central massif is surrounded by a ditch defended by four flanking casemates, and the fort has nine combat blocks linked by about 2.5 km of galleries dug 20 to 27 m deep, with a command post, kitchen, barracks and hospital.

In May 1940 the garrison numbered about 490 men. Its artillery included four 75 mm guns under two turrets, mortars and numerous machine guns. The fort held out after the fall of the neighbouring forts and refused to surrender on 20 May. It finally laid down its arms on 29 May 1940, making it the last unit of the Belgian army to capitulate.

After the war, the site remained a military domain. Volunteers of the Amicale du Fort de Tancrémont maintain it and open it to the public. A museum was inaugurated there on 28 May 2018. Visitors follow two routes, red and white, marked with explanatory panels, and can see the statue of Saint Barbara, patron saint of artillerymen, erected near the N666 national road.

Highlights

• Last unit of the Belgian army to capitulate, on 29 May 1940
• Two underground routes, red and white, with explanatory panels
• About 2.5 km of galleries 20 to 27 m deep
• Museum opened in 2018
• Statue of Saint Barbara, patron saint of artillerymen

Permanent exhibitions

• Musée du Fort de Tancrémont – Museum opened on 28 May 2018, devoted to the history of the fort; it can also be visited on its own.
• Parcours rouge et blanc dans les galeries – Two underground circuits marked with explanatory panels let you discover the combat blocks and the living quarters of the garrison.

Operated by

Amicale du Fort de Tancrémont

Admission & discounts

Tickets are sold only at the museum; payment by Bancontact or cash. School visits by reservation: flat rate of €80 for up to 20 pupils, one free adult companion per 15 pupils, then €4 per additional pupil or companion.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The fort is not accessible to people with reduced mobility: 153 steps lead down to the galleries and 156 to get back out. The museum, however, is accessible. Animals are not admitted during the visit.

Kids & families

Child rate for ages 6 to 12, free under 6. Expect many stairs in the fort.

Getting there & parking

The fort is about 3 km south of Pepinster, along the N666 national road.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit