Pegasus Museum

About the museum

The Pegasus Museum tells the history of the 1st Belgian Parachute Battalion, which was formed in England in 1942 and was based in the citadel of Diest from 1953 until its disbandment in August 2010. In 1976 the unit's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Bidlot, decided to set up a museum. It opened modestly in a corner of the inner courtyard and grew to three rooms in 1987.

In 1991 new weapons legislation and directives from the Belgian Land Force banned museums at unit level. Former paratroopers then founded the non-profit association, which was officially established on 9 November 1995 and rebuilt the museum. Its mission is to keep the traditions of the Belgian parachute units alive and to preserve the military heritage of the Diest garrison.

The collection is moving to a new location on the citadel and is organised by theme: one room on the paratroopers in the Second World War, one on military operations between 1945 and 2010, and one on training and instruction. Military vehicles from several decades stand in a garage, including vehicles from the 1960s and from the 1990s and 2000s. Fifteen volunteers, all former paratroopers, give guided tours and share personal anecdotes.

Highlights

• Rooms on the paratroopers in the Second World War, the operations from 1945 to 2010 and training
• Military vehicles from the Second World War to the 2000s
• Virtual parachute jump with VR headset (from age 8)
• Guided tours by former paratroopers
• Free admission

Permanent exhibitions

• Para’s in de Tweede Wereldoorlog – Room on the Belgian paratroopers and commandos during the Second World War.
• Militaire operaties 1945–2010 – Room on the military and humanitarian operations of the parachute units between 1945 and 2010.
• Opleiding en training – Room on the training and instruction of the paratroopers, with, among other things, a virtual parachute jump.

Founded

1976

Operated by

Pegasus Museum vzw

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The virtual parachute jump with VR headset is intended for visitors aged 8 and over.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the citadel of Diest (3290 Diest).

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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