The Koninklijk Legermuseum / Musée Royal de l’Armée (Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History) in Brussels, Belgium, is a comprehensive museum dedicated to military history from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Located in the stunning Parc du Cinquantenaire, the museum was founded in 1923 and has grown into one of the largest and most respected military museums in Europe. Its extensive collections include weapons, uniforms, artifacts, and even full-size military vehicles and aircraft, providing an in-depth look at both Belgian and international military history.
Koninklijk Leger Museum / Musée Royal de l’Armée
Jubelpark 3
1000 Brussel
+32 (0)2 737 78 33 (Onthaal)
+32 (0)2 737 78 11 (Centrale)
Tuesday – Sunday 09:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:45
Closed Mondays, January 1, May 1, November 1, December 25, and election days
Admission fee
Gift shop
How to get there:
Tram:
- N° 81,82
Bus:
- N° 27,28,36,61,67,80
Metro
- Schuman of Merode, Line 1
Train
- Schuman of Merode, Train Station
By car
- Spacious parking is available on the Esplanade, by the entrance of the Museum
Aircraft collection
| A-11
H-08 O-16 A-3 A-11 C.227/16 18534 OO-SJA B4/66 10038/XD-A B-06/LF TP+CP AT31 BA-15 100/33-LA 320/UQ 2531 MB-24/ND-N T6534 XH292 P-130 OO-SUD D04 44-34765/AN-J K-16/OT-CWG CP-46/OT-CEH 43-14987/A T-70 – 30+85 KR+QX 425/17 MT-24 FA-01 EG-224/K5-K NF11-3 PL-37 3471/18 HD-78 IF-70 LF345/ZA-P OO-AGU OO-ANP 1706 FX-12 FT-34 5141/18 68-0590/SW OO-11 OO-33 3911 23 96+33 T9800 1066 F-BCNT OO-TAO N5024 184/-+> H-21 5316 G-ACGR P-4 RM-4/OT-ZAD OL-L87 418 2126 8 FU-30 FZ-153/3R-E FR-28 5.160 B-6/OT-ZKF OO-MAA B5747/11 S85 SP-49 OO-SRZ V-56 V-57 V-64 V-33 102/5.S.25 OO-SRA SG-55/GE-R BS435/FY-F MJ360/GE-B – 261 RS-01 | Aerospatiale Alouette 2
Agusta A109BA Airspeed Oxford I Auster AOP.6 Auster AOP.6 Aviatik C.I Avro Canada CF-100 Mk.5 Canuck Boeing 707-329 (cockpit) Bristol F.2B Bristol Fairchild Bollingbroke IVT Britten-Norman BN-2A-21 Islander Bucker Bu181B Bestmann Dassault Alpha Jet 1B+ Dassault Mirage 5BA Dassault Mirage F1C Dassault MD450 Ouragan Caudron G.III de Havilland Mosquito NF.30 de Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth de Havilland Vampire T.11 de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk Mk.20 de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter Dornier Do27J-1 Douglas A-26B Invader Douglas C-47B Skytrain Fairchild C-119G Flying Boxcar Fairchild UC-61K Argus Fairey Battle I Farman F.11A-2 Fiat G91R/3 Fieseler Fi156C-3 Storch Fokker Dr.1 Dreidecker (replica) Fouga CM170 Magister General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon Gloster Meteor F.8 Gloster Meteor NF.11 Grunau Baby III Halberstadt C.V Hanriot HD.1 Hawker Hunter F.4 Hawker Hurricane IIc Junkers Ju52/3mg7e Kreit-Lambrickx KL-2 Let C-11 Lockheed F-104G Starfighter Lockheed T-33A LVG C.VI McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom Mignet HM-293 Poul DuCiel Mignet HM-293 Poul DuCiel Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15bis Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-23BN Mil Mi-24D Miles M14A Magister Morane-Saulnier MS.230 Morane-Saulnier MS.315 Morane-Saulnier MS.892A Rallye Commodore 150 Nieuport 23C.1 Nord N.1002 Pingouin (Bf108) Noorduyn AT-6D Harvard North American F-86F Sabre Percival P-1C Gull Four 2A Percival P31 Proctor IV Percival Pembroke C.51 Piper L-18C Super Cub PZL Mielec Lim-5 PZL Swidnik Mil-2 RAF RE.8 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak Republic F-84G Thunderjet Republic RF-84F Thunderflash Schreck FBA type H Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat Skandinavisk Aero Indistri KZ-III Sopwith Camel F.1 Sopwith 1½ Strutter SPAD XIII C.1 Stampe Renard SR-7B Stampe Vertongen SV-4B Stampe Vertongen SV-4B Stampe Vertongen SV-4B Stampe Vertongen SV-4C Stampe Vertongen SV-4C Sud SE-210 Caravelle VI-N Supermarine Spitfire FR.XIVe Supermarine Spitfire LF.X Supermarine Spitfire LF.IXc Triplan Battaille 1911 Westland SH-14D Lynx Westland Sea King Mk.48 |
The museum owns collections:
- The Middle Ages
- The Austrian Netherlands
- Napoleon and his time
- United Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Belgium in the 19th century
- First World War
- Second World War
- Aircraft
- Tanks
- Navy
- Armament in the 19th century
Key Exhibits and Features
- Medieval to Early Modern Warfare: The Koninklijk Leger Museum / Musée Royal de l’Armée chronological journey begins with artifacts from medieval and early modern warfare, including weapons like swords, lances, and crossbows. Exhibits also cover the evolution of military armor, with an impressive collection of full suits of armor, shields, and helmets that illustrate how warfare transformed from the Middle Ages to the Napoleonic era.
- Belgian Independence and Colonial History: This section focuses on the Belgian Revolution of 1830, which led to Belgium’s independence, and includes exhibits on the Belgian military’s formation and key conflicts. Artifacts related to Belgium’s colonial history in Africa, particularly the Congo, explore the complexities of Belgium’s global influence during this period.
- World War I Collection: Belgium was deeply affected by World War I, as it became the center of conflict in Europe after German forces invaded in 1914. The museum dedicates significant space to this “Great War,” with artifacts that include soldiers’ personal items, trench equipment, uniforms, and propaganda posters. The collection also features preserved weaponry, field gear, and displays on Belgian resistance and the experiences of civilians.
- World War II Exhibits: As with World War I, Belgium was once again at the forefront of European conflict during World War II. This section covers Belgium’s occupation by Nazi Germany, the Belgian Resistance, and the role of Belgian troops in the Allied Forces. Exhibits include original uniforms, weapons, and equipment, as well as artifacts from the Battle of Belgium in 1940 and the later liberation of the country. Photographs, letters, and first-hand accounts illustrate the personal stories behind the conflict.
- Aviation Hall: One of the highlights of the Koninklijk Leger Museum / Musée Royal de l’Armée is its impressive Aviation Hall, located in a vast glass-roofed hangar. This hall features more than 100 aircraft, including fighter planes, bombers, and helicopters from various time periods. Key exhibits include a replica of the Wright Flyer, a Supermarine Spitfire, and post-war jets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The Aviation Hall is particularly popular among visitors, as it allows an up-close view of historic aircraft in an awe-inspiring setting.
- Artillery and Tank Collection: The Koninklijk Leger Museum / Musée Royal de l’Armée also boasts an extensive collection of artillery pieces, tanks, and military vehicles. The tanks range from World War I models to more modern armored vehicles, and many are displayed in dynamic settings to illustrate how they were used in combat. This section showcases advancements in armored warfare and the evolution of military technology through the 20th century.
- The Cold War and Modern Conflicts: Moving into the post-World War II era, the museum covers Belgium’s role in NATO and peacekeeping missions around the world. Exhibits include Cold War-era equipment, Belgian peacekeeping uniforms, and items from more recent conflicts in which Belgium has participated, reflecting the country’s transition to a contributor to international stability and peacekeeping.
- Medals and Decorations: The Koninklijk Leger Museum / Musée Royal de l’Armée also includes a fascinating collection of military medals, decorations, and honors from Belgium and around the world. These items provide insight into the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers, with displays on how different countries recognize military valor.
- Temporary Exhibits and Educational Programs: The Koninklijk Legermuseum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions on various aspects of military history, often featuring rare artifacts, archival materials, and photography. The museum also organizes educational programs, guided tours, and events to engage young people and adults alike in learning about military history. Special events, such as reenactments and lectures, provide deeper insight into specific historical moments.
Visiting the Koninklijk Legermuseum / Musée Royal de l’Armée
Located in the iconic Parc du Cinquantenaire, the museum is easily accessible and offers a rich, multi-faceted experience for anyone interested in history, military technology, and aviation. With its combination of large-scale exhibits, immersive displays, and hands-on educational activities, the museum appeals to a wide audience, from students and families to veterans and military history enthusiasts.
Whether you’re exploring medieval weaponry, marveling at vintage aircraft in the Aviation Hall, or delving into Belgium’s role in two world wars, the Koninklijk Legermuseum offers an impressive and comprehensive look at the history of warfare and its impact on society.