Musée de la Reddition

About the museum

After the liberation of Reims in August 1944, the buildings of the former technical school on Rue Jolicœur were requisitioned by the American administration. In February 1945, General Eisenhower set up the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) here. It was within this framework that the first German surrender was signed here at 02:41 on the morning of May 7, 1945.

The operations room, known as the “War Room”, has been kept in the state it was in during May 1945, with its maps and photographs. It has been listed as a historic monument since late 1985. The City of Reims founded the museum in 1985, for the fortieth anniversary of the signing, in part of what is now the Lycée Franklin-Roosevelt.

The route presents the historical context, the units stationed in Reims and the staff of the Allied headquarters, with archives, uniforms and objects. The museum reopened on May 7, 2026 after a refurbishment: a new scenography, new objects on display, and light and sound staging of the night of the signing.

Highlights

• The “War Room”, preserved in its May 1945 state
• Chronological route up to the signing of the surrender
• Archives, uniforms and objects of the Allied staff
• Light and sound staging of the night of May 7, 1945
• Presentation film in several languages

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours permanent : la reddition du 7 mai 1945 – Chronological route with archives, uniforms, objects and digital animations, leading to the operations room preserved in its 1945 state.

Founded

1985

Operated by

Ville de Reims

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month, European Heritage Days, Rendez-vous aux jardins, Night of the Museums, National Archaeology Days, and May 7 and 8 (for this museum)

Tickets are bought on site at the reception desk. Also free for job seekers, RSA recipients, young people supported by the mission locale, holders of a press card or ICOM card, veterans, and teachers preparing a visit.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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 museums of Reims state that the museum is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted. Deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors can contact the museums by chat or in sign language via the Sourdline service of the City of Reims.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly

A booklet for young visitors on 1939–1945 (from age 8), and family discovery booklets at reception on weekends and during school holidays. Visits and workshops for children from age 7 are offered according to the programme. Pushchairs are welcome.

Getting there & parking

There is no car park belonging to the museum: parking is available on the streets around the building.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available
• Wi-Fi: not available

There is no cloakroom and no lockers in this museum. The museums of Reims state that they do not offer Wi-Fi to visitors.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit