Musée de la Reddition de Reims reopens after year-long renovation

On May 7, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the German surrender, the Musée de la Reddition de Reims reopened after a year of renovations. The project, costing approximately €2 million, focused on conservation of the original maps, documents, and objects in the war room where the unconditional surrender was signed on May 7, 1945. Protective glazing, improved ventilation, and new lighting were installed; collections underwent anoxia treatment. The scenography, by Belgian agency Kascen, now offers a clearer chronological narrative covering occupation, liberation, reconstruction, and reconciliation. The museum displays 17 uniforms, 130 objects and weapons, and 65 archival documents, including General McAuliffe's jacket. Multilingual mediation tools were enhanced for international visitors. The site remains part of the former Jolicœur college, now Lycée Roosevelt, where General Eisenhower established SHAEF in September 1944. The surrender was signed by General Alfred Jodl for Germany, with Admiral von Friedeburg and Commander Oxenius; Walter B. Smith for Eisenhower's staff; General Sousloparov for the USSR; and General François Sevez as a French witness. A second ceremony in Berlin on May 8 satisfied Soviet demands. The museum's keys were given to Reims mayor Michel Sicre on July 7, 1945, and the museum officially opened in 1985 for the 40th anniversary.