in detail
Following the German occupation of Belgium, the Dutch fort built in the 18th century was used, from May 1940 to 1944 as a Gestapo prison and assembly camp.
Approximately 7,000 Belgian and foreign prisoners were detained here. The Fort of Huy was one of the main starting points in Belgium for transports to National Socialist concentration camps in the Reich territory. Following the secret orders (»Night and Fog Decree«) issued by the Chief of the Wehrmacht High Command Wilhelm Keitel, opponents of the occupation regime were deported without their families being informed. This procedure was to prevent the population from joining the resistance movement.
The fort is a memorial today. The eleven store rooms have housed the Museum of the Resistance and Concentration Camps since 1976. The period of German occupation and persecution is documented on 150 display boards, in several display cabinets and in a comprehensive library. It is the museum's aim to show the meaning of freedom and democracy, particularly to younger visitors.
During the German occupation of Belgium, the old fort at Huy was used as a prison and assembly camp from 1940 to 1944 for deportations to concentration camps in the Reich territory.
A memorial has been established there. Since 1976, a museum has documented the period of German occupation and persecution.
May 1940 to 1944
Use of the 18th century fort as a Gestapo prison and assembly camp for deportations.
1947
First tourism use.
1973
Purchase of the site by the City of Huy from the Belgian government for the symbolic sum of one Franc.
1 October 1976
Opening of the museum and the memorial established inside the fort.
Huy, before World War II, courtyard of the Fort, CEGES/SOMA.
Huy, undated, courtyard of the Fort of Huy today, FTPL.
Huy, undated, visit of a class at the Fort of Huy, FTPL