The museum grounds feature the last remaining King Tiger tank abandoned in the village of La Gleize after the failed German offensive.
The building was the final command post for the German 1st SS Panzer Division commander, Joachim Peiper, before his retreat.
The collection contains items recovered from a C-47 transport plane that crashed in the vicinity during the supply drops.
It maintains a focus on the logistical and human challenges faced by soldiers during the severe winter conditions of December 1944.
The museum hosts artifacts specifically relating to the defense of the Amblève valley.
The December 44 Museum, located in La Gleize, Stoumont, focuses exclusively on the Battle of the Bulge during the winter of 1944. It is housed in a building that served as a headquarters for the German forces during the Ardennes Counteroffensive. The collection includes a rare King Tiger tank, the Tiger II (chassis number 213), which was abandoned by its crew in the village center. The exhibition highlights the struggle between the American 30th Infantry Division and the 1st SS Panzer Division 'Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler'. The museum displays an extensive collection of authentic uniforms, weaponry, personal items, and historical documents recovered from the local battlefield. It offers detailed insights into the tactical movements of the combatants in the surrounding Stoumont and La Gleize area. The museum is a private initiative that emphasizes historical accuracy through survivor testimonies and battlefield relics.
The exterior Tiger II tank standing in the village square.
Combine your visit with a self-guided walking tour of the surrounding village of La Gleize to see where the tank combat occurred.
Check the museum's official website for seasonal opening changes before traveling, as it is a private facility.
Allocate time to view the high-quality documentary footage often played in the exhibit area.
Do not attempt to climb or touch the outdoor King Tiger tank, as it is a fragile historical artifact.
Generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; operates on a seasonal schedule that may be limited during winter months.
