Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr

The Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr (German Military History Museum) in Dresden is one of the largest and most significant military museums in Germany. It is dedicated to the history of the German military, with a focus on the evolution of warfare, military technology, and the relationship between military history and society. The museum is renowned for its comprehensive and often thought-provoking exhibitions, which cover a wide range of military topics from the medieval period to the modern-day.

Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr

Olbrichtplatz 2

01099 Dresden

Germany

www.militaerhistorisches-museum.bundeswehr.de

+49 351 823 28 03

Fax: +49 351 823 28 05

Thursday – Tuesday 10:00 – 18:00

Monday 10:00 – 21:00

Clossed Wednesday

Admission fee

Collection

RPV Drone
MGR-1 Honest John

Temporary Display

BB+150

26+49

98+20

3095

Canadair Sabre 5

Lockheed F-104G Starfighter

MBB Bölkow Bo105M

Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15bis

The Military History Museum of the Bundeswehr (MHM) in Dresden (formerly Militärhistorisches Museum Dresden) is one of the largest military history museums in Europe.

Reconstructed from fragments of the first German submarine, the fire diver was originally built in Kiel in 1850 by August Howaldt according to plans by Wilhelm Bauer.
The landing capsule Soyuz 29, with which the first German in the All Sigmund Jähn came back to earth after his flight with Soyuz 31, belongs to the collections.

Key Features of the Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr in Dresden:

  1. Historical Scope and Themes:
    • The museum presents military history from various perspectives, spanning over a thousand years of German military history, including both world wars, the Cold War, and the post-war period.
    • It examines the impact of war on society, with an emphasis on the human cost of conflict, ethics in war, and the consequences of militarism.
  2. Architectural Design:
    • The museum itself is housed in the Albertstadt district of Dresden, in the historic Königsmarsthine barracks, a 19th-century military complex.
    • A striking feature of the museum is its contemporary and bold architectural design, particularly the glass extension, which was added to the building during renovations in the early 2010s. This angular, glass structure symbolizes the museum’s modern and critical approach to military history.
    • The contrast between the traditional building and the modern extension reflects the museum’s dual focus on historical continuity and the critical examination of Germany’s military past.
  3. Comprehensive Collections:
    • The Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr holds a vast collection of military artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, equipment, and vehicles, many of which are displayed in context with historical events.
    • Exhibits cover early warfare, the First and Second World Wars, military technology, modern conflicts, and the Cold War. The museum also includes pieces related to the development of the German military across various eras, from medieval armament to modern military aviation.
    • There are sections dedicated to the Wehrmacht and the Nazi era, dealing critically with the legacy of National Socialism and its impact on military institutions and German society.
  4. Exhibits on the World Wars:
    • One of the museum’s most significant focuses is on World War I and World War II. Visitors can explore extensive collections of artifacts related to these wars, including weapons, military equipment, and personal items from soldiers.
    • The museum offers a deep dive into German military strategy, battlefield technologies, and the social impact of the wars on both civilians and soldiers.
    • Special exhibitions on militarization during the Third Reich and the involvement of German soldiers in war crimes are also an important part of the museum’s educational mission.
  5. Cold War and East German Military:
    • The museum has a significant section devoted to the Cold War period, which is especially relevant to Eastern Germany (GDR). This includes exhibits on the East German military (National People’s Army, NVA) and its role in the Warsaw Pact during the Cold War.
    • It explores the military division of Germany after World War II and the subsequent arms race, the development of military technologies like nuclear weapons, and the tension between the NATO and Warsaw Pact countries.
    • Visitors can view artifacts from the East German military, including equipment, uniforms, and military vehicles.
  6. Military Technology and Innovation:
    • The Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr displays a wide array of military technology, showcasing innovations in weapons (such as tanks, aircraft, and artillery), as well as advancements in communication, navigation, and logistics.
    • Among the highlights are tanks like the Panzer IV and Leopard 2, the iconic Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter aircraft, and military trucks and missiles used throughout German military history.
    • The museum also has a notable collection of German submarines and naval technology, which traces the development of the German navy and its contributions to naval warfare.
  7. Art and Personal Stories:
    • The Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr also integrates artworks, such as paintings, posters, and propaganda materials, that highlight the role of art and propaganda in shaping public perception of war.
    • One of the museum’s unique aspects is the inclusion of personal stories and firsthand accounts of soldiers and civilians affected by war. Through these narratives, the museum emphasizes the human side of conflict and its deep impact on individuals.
  8. Critical Engagement with Military History:
    • The Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr stands out for its critical approach to military history. It does not merely glorify or celebrate military achievements but instead aims to engage visitors in thought-provoking discussions on the ethics of war, the destruction caused by military conflict, and the importance of peacebuilding.
    • The museum features sections dedicated to peace movements, post-war reconciliation, and the role of the military in modern German society.
  9. Educational Programs and Events:
    • The Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr regularly organizes temporary exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs aimed at schools and general visitors. These programs cover topics such as military ethics, war crimes, and the historical context of military decisions.
    • The museum is involved in international cooperation on military history, often hosting traveling exhibitions or participating in scholarly exchanges on topics related to military history and conflict studies.
  10. Visitor Experience and Accessibility:
  • The museum is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, from military enthusiasts and scholars to families and young people. The exhibits are well-curated, with informative descriptions in both German and English.
  • The museum is located near the city center of Dresden, making it easy to visit while exploring other historic landmarks in the city.

Summary:

The Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr in Dresden is an extensive and thought-provoking institution that presents the history of the German military across multiple eras. The museum’s exhibitions span the medieval period, World Wars, the Cold War, and modern military conflicts, all while critically engaging with the impact of war on individuals and society. With a focus on military technology, human experiences of war, and historical analysis, it offers a comprehensive and reflective experience for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of military history and its repercussions.