WAR FOR PEACE

The story of Museum Romagne 14-18

Owner Jean-Paul de Vries has known Romagne-sous-Montfaucon and its surroundings since he was seven years old. The area, known from the Battle of Verdun and the Meuse-Argonne offensive, among others, was so heavily fought that traces of the drama can still be found daily more than 100 years after the Great War. 

More than 25 years ago, Jean-Paul moved to Romagne to realise his dream: his own museum, with as its basic collection the large number of war relics he found-and still finds-in and around Romagne within a 5-kilometre radius. That collection is still expanding with new finds and purchases, made possible in part by the ever-growing international circle of donors. 
From the very beginning, the museum attracted attention with its unique collection and presentation. The museum enjoys interest from all over the world. Not for nothing did travel guide Lonely Planet place Museum Romagne 14-18 in the top 50 'best kept secrets' of Europe. 

The appeal of the musuem undoubtedly also lies in the way Jean-Paul shapes his changing exhibitions. Look for no shiny exhibition space, no polished display cases and multimedia experiences. This place presents a picture of the war as it was for all those who were chosen by fate to participate in it. Because at the Romagne Museum 14-18, war is exhibited in a tangible way. To touch and reach out. As Jean-Paul found the remains in his path, rusted, half destroyed or still intact, so they are exhibited. Without adornment, without much fuss. And therefore all the more impressive. 

But Museum Romagne 14-18 wants to be more than just an exhibition space. It also wants to be a place of reflection. A museum with a personal message: that war is always and everywhere human and that the people who start a war are the same ones who can also end it. It is a place to keep old stories alive and bring new ones to it. A museum where war plays a important role but where Jean-Paul's poignant message of peace, compassion and humanity emphatically prevails.

The latter is best expressed in the change of direction Jean-Paul initiated with his museum at the end of 2022: Museum Romange 14-18 has a new name. War for Peace/Museum Romagne 14-18. It is a message that only gains urgency and eloquence in our current times.

Welcome to Romagne. Feel at home in a museum where you come out different than you went in. A war museum with a message of peace.

Museum Romagne 14-18 relies on the financial support of donors from all over the world.
The Friends of Romagne Foundation aims to support the museum financially, and to safeguard and expand the collection.

Adress

Museum Romagne 14-18
2 Rue de l'Andon
Romagne-sous-Montfaucon

Opening hours

Friday 01.30 - 6 p.m.

Saturday 01.30 - 6 p.m.

Sunday 01.30 - 6 p.m.

In addition to regular business hours, visits are available by appointment. Contact us well in advance to avoid disappointments: info@romagne14-18.com

Entrance fee

Adult: € 8,-

Child (<12 years): free

Groups (12 persons or more): € 5,-

Annual ticket with unlimited access: € 15,-

Exhibition

Besides the permanent exhibition, the museum also organizes changing exhibitions based on a theme. Visit our homepage and newspage for the latest information.

How to get there

Romagne is a small village in the Meuse department in Grand Est in north-eastern France, approximately 35 miles north-west from Verdun.

Accommodation in and around Romagne

See our list of accommodation options.