Bastogne War Museum facts for kids
The Bastogne War Museum is a special place in Belgium. It teaches visitors about World War II, especially the Battle of the Bulge. This important museum is found near the town of Bastogne in the Luxembourg province.
The museum opened on March 21, 2014. It took four years to build. When you visit, you can take an audio tour that lasts at least two hours. The museum has many real items from the war. It also features three exciting shows. You will learn about four made-up characters who lived through the battle. The main part of the museum shows the war's timeline. It covers what happened before, during, and after the Battle of the Bulge. There is also a museum shop and a café.
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What to See at the Museum
The Bastogne War Museum offers many interesting things to explore. You can learn about history and see important monuments.
Mardasson Memorial
Right next to the museum is the Mardasson Memorial. This huge monument honors the American soldiers who were hurt or went missing. About 76,890 Americans were affected during the Battle of the Bulge. The memorial has many texts carved into it. It also lists all the US states and the US army groups that fought there. You can walk up the 12-meter-high monument using spiral stairs. It offers a great view.
"Thunderbolt" Sherman Tank
You can see a real "Thunderbolt" Sherman tank at the museum. This tank belonged to the 11th US Armored Division. It has been fully fixed up and is on display. On December 30, 1944, this tank was stopped during a German attack. This happened three days after the siege of Bastogne. The tank's crew were captured by the enemy. They were taken to a war camp.
Meet the Characters of the Battle
The museum's main exhibit tells the stories of four made-up characters. Their lives come together during the Battle of the Bulge. These characters help you understand what it was like to live during the war.
- Robert Keane: He was an American corporal in the US 101st Airborne Division. Robert joined the US army because his brother was already fighting in the Pacific region against the Japanese.
- Hans Wegmüller: He was a German lieutenant from the German 26th Volksgrenadier Division. Before fighting in the Ardennes, Hans also fought against the Soviets on the Eastern front.
- Mathilde Devillers: She was a young Belgian teacher in Bastogne. Mathilde lived on a farm near the town with her family.
- Émile Mostade: He was a 13-year-old Belgian schoolboy. His parents owned a bicycle shop in Bastogne. Émile also played the accordion.
Visitors learn about their lives and how they experienced the war. Eventually, all four characters meet. They hide together in a cellar during the Luftwaffe's air attacks on Bastogne. At that time, Bastogne was surrounded by the German army.
