The American Battle Monuments Commission Collections directorate has completed the restoration and reinstallation of the reception room at Luxembourg American Cemetery, marking the 14th site finalized as part of the agency’s ongoing Historic Furnishing Project launched in 2016.

The multi‑year initiative aims to document, assess, and restore original furnishings across chapels, reception rooms, and storage areas at 22 ABMC sites. Early inventories revealed significant discrepancies between the historic design intent and the spaces as they existed in recent years — from furniture and layout to decorative elements. The project seeks to restore historical coherence while maintaining the functional needs of modern cemetery operations.

At Luxembourg American Cemetery, the reception room presented a unique opportunity. Archival records from the late 1950s provided detailed insight into the original design discussions for the building, constructed between 1957 to 1958 to welcome families visiting their loved ones’ graves.

The room was originally furnished in a Mid‑Century Modern style, a choice that sparked debate at the time. Gen. North advocated for uniformity across ABMC sites, while Commissioner McCrown favoured a comfortable American aesthetic. Architect consultant Harbeson argued for a contemporary Mid‑Century Modern approach aligned with the building’s architecture, featuring clean geometric lines and a subtle blend of natural and industrial materials. North ultimately supported Harbeson’s recommendation.

The 2018 inventory confirmed that much of the room’s historic character had been lost over time. The 2024–25 restoration effort focused on reestablishing the original design intent without turning the space into a museum exhibit.

“Our goal was to restore the room’s historical atmosphere while ensuring it remains a welcoming, functional space for today’s visitors,” said Charlotte Meunier, ABMC’s museum curator who led the initiative. “The archival material gave us an exceptional window into the designers’ intentions, and that guided every decision.”

Work began in July 2024, followed by an on‑site review in August. In February 2025, local staff reviewed two proposed layouts and two color schemes before selecting the final design. Landarc contractor restored original frames — including Purple Heart certificates and official letters — and procured new furniture consistent with the period. ABMC teams completed electrical updates, door‑handle replacements and repainting.

Installation was finalized in December 2025, including the addition of historical photographs and an interpretive panel recounting the reception room’s history. Decisions were overseen by Acting Superintendent Nathan Jellen, Cemetery Associate Laure Mathis and Museum Curator Charlotte Meunier, with interpretive guidance from Karen Wurzburger and Charlotte Giraudo, and support from Emily Price of CEMOPS. The Green Team also assisted on site during installation.

The next installations under the Historic Furnishing Project are scheduled for February at Ardennes American Cemetery and Flanders Field American Cemetery.