Musée de la Reddition: Where WWII Ended

The Musée de la Reddition (Museum of the Surrender) in Reims is a significant historical site where representatives of the German Third Reich signed the unconditional surrender to the Allied forces, ending World War II in Europe. The signing took place on May 7, 1945, at 2:41 am in what was then the technical college of Reims, serving as the headquarters of the Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower. The building, located at 12 Rue du Président Franklin Roosevelt, now houses a museum that commemorates this momentous occasion. The highlight is the preserved War Room, also known as the Map Room, where the signing occurred. Visitors can see the original table and maps used during the surrender, providing a tangible connection to the past. The museum also features exhibits of uniforms, press reports, war souvenirs, and artifacts from the conflict, offering context to the events that led to the surrender. These displays enhance the visitor experience, providing a deeper understanding of the war and Reims' role in it. The museum opened in 1985, on the 40th anniversary of the signing. The Musée de la Reddition is open every day except Tuesday. From Monday, May 12, 2025, the museum will be closed for rehabilitation work and is scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2026.