85 years after the attack on Fort Eben-Emael and Belgium
On May 10, 2025, it will be exactly 85 years since the fort of Eben-Emael was attacked. This date marks the beginning of the Second World War for Belgium.
On the occasion of this symbolic day, Fort Eben-Emael presents the German and English translation of its comic book. In addition, the permanent exhibition ' The fort during the German occupation' is also opened to the public.
The comic book ' Strange birds above Eben-Emael ' tells the fictional, but true testimonies-based story of Belgian and German soldiers who were involved in the attack of 10 May 1940. It was a short but fierce battle. Their courage and sacrifice form the core of this truthful and compelling account, written by the well-known comic book author Mario Boon .
Mr. Piet Schiepers , born on 10 May 1940 in Val-Meer, just a few kilometres from the fort, brings his personal family story to visitors. He tells about the events of that day, seen through the eyes of a child who was only one day old at the time.
The cafeteria is open.
Guided tours are organised throughout the day
in Dutch, French, German and English.
Book your tour in advance, as places are limited.
| Program May 10, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| 10:00 | Opening of the fort and the cafeteria |
| 10:15 | Presentation of Mario Boon, the cartoonist Presentation of the history of comics in German and French |
| 11:00 | Opening of the permanent exhibition “The fort under German occupation” |
11:15 - 11:45 | Departure of standard 2-hour guided tours in Dutch, French, German and English click here to register for this tour |
| 12:30 | Departure of the discovery tour in German ' Underground with a flashlight to the Albert Canal and a visit to the Mi Zuid machine gun bunker' |
| 12:30 | Departure of the discovery tours in Dutch and French to the artillery domes of 75 mm cupolas |
| 12:30 | Lecture in Dutch by Mr. Piet Schiepers about the fate of his family when he was a one-day-old child on May 10, 1940. |
| 13:00 - 16:00 | Mario Boon signs the comic book |
| 13:15 | Departure of the discovery tour in German 'Underground with a flashlight to the Albert Canal and a visit to the Mi Zuid machine gun bunker' |
| 13:15 - 13:45 | Departure of standard 2-hour guided tours in Dutch, French, German and English click here to register for this tour |
| 14:30 | Lecture in French by Mr. Piet Schiepers about the fate of his family when he was a one-day-old child on May 10, 1940. |
| 16:15 | For the winners of the Facebook contest 'Meet and Greet' with Mario Boon |
Program May 11, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| 10:00 | Opening of the fort and the cafeteria the permanent exhibition “The fort under German occupation” |
| 10:30 - 12:30 | Mario Boon signs the comic book |
| 11:15 - 11:45 | Departure of standard 2-hour guided tours in Dutch, French, German and English click here to register for this tour |
| 13:30 - 16:30 | Mario Boon signs the comic book |
| 13:15 - 13:45 | Departure of standard 2-hour guided tours in Dutch, French, German and English click here to register for this tour |
