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Museum · Diekirch, Diekirch
Musée national d'histoire militaire (Museu Nacional de História Militar)
Museum in Diekirch about the Battle of the Ardennes in the winter of 1944–45, with life‑size dioramas, vehicles, weapons and more than 100,000 military objects. It also tells the story of the Luxembourg army.
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 Musée national d'histoire militaire (Museu Nacional de História Militar)
The Museu Nacional de História Militar in Diekirch is primarily dedicated to the Battle of the Ardennes, the German offensive that began on 16 December 1944 and struck northern Luxembourg and eastern Belgium. Diekirch was evacuated and retaken by the Americans in January 1945, when the 5th Infantry Division crossed the Sûre River in the snow, and the museum was created through the initiative of local residents and veterans.
The exhibition is known for its life‑size dioramas that recreate scenes of the battle: American and German soldiers in the snow, command posts, field hospitals and civilians sheltering in cellars. The collection exceeds 100,000 objects, including uniforms, weapons, equipment, documents, photographs and vehicles, such as tanks and artillery pieces.
Other rooms cover the German occupation of Luxembourg, the resistance, the liberation in September 1944 and the history of the Luxembourg army, including the country's participation in international missions after the war.
The visit is long and detailed, and will especially appeal to those interested in military history and World War II. Labels and texts are usually available in French, German and English.
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
About 2 to 3 hours.
Best time
In the morning, to allow time to see the rooms at a relaxed pace. The museum is open year‑round, hours to be confirmed; in December and January there are usually events linked to the anniversary of the battle.
How to get there
It is located on rue Bamertal, in the centre of Diekirch, about a 10‑minute walk from the train station. By car there is parking nearby.
Tip
Allow time: there are many rooms. Start with the battle dioramas on the ground floor and leave the section on the Luxembourg army for last. Combine the visit with the Cemitério Americano de Hamm, near the capital, and with the castle of Clervaux.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Musée national d'histoire militaire (Museu Nacional de História Militar)
Is the museum only about the Second World War?
Most of it covers the Battle of the Bulge and World War II in Luxembourg, but there are rooms about the history of the Luxembourg army and its missions after the war.
What are the dioramas?
Recreated life-size scenes, with mannequins, equipment and snowy settings, showing soldiers and civilians during the fighting of 1944 and 1945.
How long does the visit take?
2 to 3 hours to see the main rooms at a relaxed pace.