BASTOGNE BARRACKS, Wallonia, Belgium

5CheeseburgerParadise 5:00 PM Jun 28, 2016

Run…..Don't walk! Do not miss this.
Probably the most enjoyable museum experience I've ever had. Scroll down through other reviews and you'll see almost nothing but praise and gushing recommendations. This is mostly down to the astoundingly knowledgeable, passionate and professional volunteer-soldier guides who take you through the exhibits on the base. As you make your way through the various rooms and halls try and stay within earshot of the guides. There is absolutely nothing they don't know about the huge variety of military hardware on display; the ins and outs of the Ardennes Counteroffensive and its historical context; about how the Battle of the Bulge was portrayed – accurately and inaccurately - in later films and TV shows. Not only are they fountains of knowledge about these matters, they also have touching stories recounted by veterans from both sides of the conflict and fascinating and amusing anecdotes about how the remnants of battle were both utilised by the local population after the war and about how they are still being found today (some in almost pristine condition) by both farmers and enthusiasts. The barracks are a historical site and they are packed with amazing exhibits but in my opinion it is the 'added value' of the information you receive from the guides and from the talented and dedicated mechanics who are refurbishing some of the equipment on display that is the highlight of this museum. We were fortunate to be there with a relatively small group that was already quite knowledgeable about the Battle of the Bulge and the guide spoke only English which speeded things up…….and we still spent just over three informative and enjoyable hours at the barracks. Whether you're interested in the historical aspects of the battle, the military tactics and strategy, the equipment used and conditions endured by ordinary soldiers, the weaponry and more mundane equipment involved, the mechanical details of the heavier weapons systems or in how the war and the Ardennes Counteroffensive in particular impacted the local population you'll get answers on a visit to the barracks. None of it is written on typical museum informative signs. It all comes from the guides so don't hesitate to ask questions! Incidentally, there are smaller but nonetheless impressive collections and exhibits dedicated to the life of the soldier during the war in Iraq and to a much lesser degree to the Cold War.

5jclark452 5:00 PM Dec 21, 2017

Superb! One of the best military museums out there.
I've been to the multiple museums Normandy, the WWII Museum in New Orleans, and the Royal War Museum and others in London. The Bastogne Barracks is as good as any of them. The 101st Airborne Headquarters is an "interpretation center" filled with artifacts, photos, weapons and displays. The displays -- a field hospital, commanding general's actual office, communications center, etc. - are fantastic. The gigantic garage where countless vehicles from jeeps to trucks to tanks to artillery pieces, is extraordinary. The garage itself is worth the trip to Bastogne. This is a brilliantly conceived and executed museum and historical center. Highly recommended!