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Museum · Waterloo, Brabante Valão
Mémorial 1815
Museum on the Waterloo battlefield, at the foot of the Butte du Lion. It tells the story of the 1815 campaign with a 3D film, uniforms and animated maps, and provides access to the Panorama painted in 1912.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mémorial 1815
The Mémorial 1815 is the visitor centre for the Waterloo battlefield, in Braine-l'Alleud, a few kilometres south of Waterloo town centre. The museum was built for the battle's bicentenary and sits next to the Butte du Lion.
The route explains the June 1815 campaign, from Napoleon's return to power to the defeat before the allied army of Wellington and the Prussians under Blücher. There are uniforms, period weapons, dioramas, animated maps and a 3D film projected onto a panoramic screen of about 25 metres.
The same ticket often includes the Battle Panorama, in a neighbouring rotunda. The canvas, painted in 1912 by Louis Dumoulin, is about 110 metres in circumference and 12 metres high and shows the charges of the French cavalry, with sound effects.
From the Mémorial you can also begin the climb to the Butte du Lion and catch the electric minibus to the Ferme d'Hougoumont. In some years, around 18 June, the field often hosts battle reenactments.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
An hour and a half for the museum and the Panorama. Three to four hours to include the Butte du Lion and Hougoumont.
Best time
In the morning, to have time to see the museum, climb the hill and go to Hougoumont on the same day. In spring and summer, from April to September, the open field is more pleasant. In June, around the battle's anniversary, check the events schedule.
How to get there
By train from Brussels to Braine-l'Alleud, the nearest station, about 2.5 km away. From there the TEC W bus stops at the Route du Lion. By car there is parking on site. It's about 5 km from Waterloo town centre.
Tip
The Pass 1815 bundles the Mémorial, the Butte du Lion, the Panorama, Hougoumont, the Musée Wellington and the Dernier QG de Napoléon. Read a little about the battle beforehand: the museum is clearer for those who already know who fought whom.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mémorial 1815
Is the Mémorial 1815 in Waterloo?
It stands on the battlefield, in the neighbouring municipality of Braine-l'Alleud, about 5 km from Waterloo town centre. The battle is named after Waterloo because Wellington had his headquarters there.
Does the Mémorial ticket include the Butte du Lion?
Yes, the ticket typically includes the museum, the climb to the Butte du Lion and the Panorama. Hougoumont has its own ticket or is included in the Pass 1815. Check before you buy.