Museum of the Surrender
Step into the room where WWII in Europe ended. This small museum preserves the site of Germany's unconditional surrender.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer school groups
Museum of the Surrender
Best Time
Fewer school groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the room where WWII in Europe ended. This small museum preserves the site of Germany's unconditional surrender.
"A must-visit in Reims. A well-preserved moment of history."
🎯 Allow 45-60 Minutes
This is ample time to absorb the history, watch the film, and explore the exhibits without feeling rushed.
🎟️ Tickets at the Desk
No need to book in advance; purchase tickets easily at the museum entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The War Room
Main exhibition hall
Stand in the very room where history was made – the site of Germany's unconditional surrender. Maps and plans remain as they were.
Informative Introductory Film
Screening room
A concise 5-minute film in English sets the historical context, making the surrender's significance clear.
Photographs and Documents
Exhibition corridors
Explore a collection of period uniforms, photos, and documents that vividly illustrate the end of World War II.
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Insider Tips
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Museum of the Surrender (Musée de la Reddition) in Reims, France
🎯 Allow 45-60 Minutes
This is ample time to absorb the history, watch the film, and explore the exhibits without feeling rushed.
🎟️ Tickets at the Desk
No need to book in advance; purchase tickets easily at the museum entrance.
Visiting Reims for a day and night. Besides the cathedral any suggestions?
🎬 Watch the Intro Film
It's a crucial 5-minute primer that enhances understanding of the surrender's context.
🚶♂️ Walk from Gare de Reims
Conveniently located near the train station, making it an easy stop before or after travel.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Allow 45-60 Minutes
This is ample time to absorb the history, watch the film, and explore the exhibits without feeling rushed.
🎟️ Tickets at the Desk
No need to book in advance; purchase tickets easily at the museum entrance.
🎬 Watch the Intro Film
It's a crucial 5-minute primer that enhances understanding of the surrender's context.
🚶♂️ Walk from Gare de Reims
Conveniently located near the train station, making it an easy stop before or after travel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museum of the Surrender as a fantastic, humbling, and moving experience, especially for its historical significance. The preserved War Room and informative film are frequently highlighted as impactful elements. While small, it's considered a worthwhile visit for its unique connection to the end of World War II in Europe.
"Fantastic little museum. €5.50 well spent to understand the historical significance of this city 80 years ago. Excellent 5 min film in English to set the scene. Walked through a number of small rooms of photos, documents and period uniforms before reaching the room in which the surrender was signed. Very moving, left as it was with maps and weather reports and daily operation plans on the walls."
Hannah Asquith
"A must-visit in Reims. A well-preserved moment of history. Allow 45-60 minutes. It begins with a very informative film which provides to background about how the signing occurred in Reims. The room in which the unconditional surrender was signed looks exactly like the photographs from May 7, 1945.
You will be impressed by how small the space is, as well as how little pretense there was surrounding the event.
We visited 2 days before the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. It was a Monday, and the high school next door was in session. Teenagers were everywhere outside, but don't let that fool you. Very few people were in the museum the day we went, and most were an elementary school class on a field trip, and they were incredibly quiet and attentive."
John Tucker
"A wonderful and humbling experience at the Musee de la Reddition. We explored the museum that features the War Room where Germany signed the act to unconditionally surrender and end WW2.
We spent 90 minutes at the museum (which was sufficient) on our way to the Gare de Reims."
Vanessa James-McPhee
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located in Reims, France. Many visitors find it easily accessible on foot, especially if arriving by train at Gare de Reims, as it's a short walk away. Public transport options within Reims are also available, though walking is often recommended for its proximity to other city attractions.
While specific parking details can vary, Reims has several public parking garages. It's advisable to check local parking information for the most up-to-date options and rates if you are arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very reasonable, around €5.50, making it an affordable historical experience.
No, you can easily purchase tickets directly at the museum's desk upon arrival. Advance booking is not necessary.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official museum website or local listings before your visit. Generally, it's open during typical daytime hours on weekdays and weekends.
Yes, the museum is suitable for children. While the subject matter is historical, the presentation is informative and engaging. School groups often visit, indicating its educational value.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 45 to 60 minutes is sufficient to explore the museum thoroughly, including watching the introductory film and viewing the exhibits.
The most impactful part is undoubtedly the War Room itself, preserved as it was on May 7, 1945, the day Germany signed its unconditional surrender.
Yes, the introductory film is available in English, and many of the displays and documents are presented in a way that is understandable to English speakers, often with multilingual captions.
You can see historical photographs, documents, period uniforms, war maps, and the actual table where the surrender was signed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, the Museum of the Surrender is a historical site and does not have an on-site restaurant or cafe. However, Reims offers numerous dining options nearby.
Reims city center, a short walk from the museum, boasts a wide array of restaurants, from casual bistros to more formal dining. You can easily find places to eat before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, visitors are allowed to take photos for personal use, especially in the exhibition areas. It's always a good idea to check for any specific signage regarding photography restrictions within the War Room itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good idea to prepare children beforehand about the context of World War II and the concept of surrender to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the visit. The museum's manageable size means it won't overwhelm younger visitors, and its proximity to other Reims attractions allows for a balanced itinerary.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Beyond the immediate site, the museum's location in Reims connects it to a broader historical narrative, including the city's role in coronations and its Champagne heritage. It's a place where history buffs can truly connect with the past and gain a deeper appreciation for the events that shaped the modern world.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Paris
Allowing about an hour for the museum, including the film, means you can experience this significant historical site without taking up too much of your limited time. It offers a profound historical perspective that complements the more celebratory aspects of Reims.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Reims
The museum itself is a powerful testament to this moment. It preserves the very room where the surrender documents were signed, leaving the space largely as it was on that historic day. Visitors can see the maps, weather reports, and operational plans laid out, offering a tangible connection to the past. An introductory film provides essential context, detailing the events leading up to the surrender and its immediate aftermath. This immersive experience allows visitors to grasp the gravity of the occasion and the immense relief that followed the cessation of hostilities.
Beyond the museum, Reims offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. The Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the traditional coronation site for French kings. Exploring the city provides a broader understanding of its historical importance, from Roman times to its role in modern European history. A visit to the Museum of the Surrender offers a unique and moving perspective on a defining moment of the 20th century, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Experiencing the Museum of the Surrender
The core of the museum is the actual room where the surrender was signed. It's preserved with remarkable fidelity to its 1945 appearance, complete with maps, documents, and the table used for the signing. This direct encounter with the physical space where such a monumental decision was made can be quite profound. The surrounding exhibits feature photographs, uniforms, and other artifacts that further illustrate the end of the war in Europe.
Many visitors recommend allocating about 45 to 60 minutes for a visit, which is ample time to absorb the information without feeling rushed. The low admission fee makes it an accessible historical site. The museum's location near the Gare de Reims also makes it a convenient stop for travelers, whether arriving or departing from the city.
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