Museo Civico delle Forze Armate 1914-1945

About the museum

The museum is the heir of the Museo Didattico di Montecchio Maggiore, founded in 1922 by Giuseppe Zannato as the first museum of the municipalities of the province of Vicenza (excluding the provincial capital and Bassano). Closed in the 1960s, it saw its natural history and archaeological collections pass into the present Museo di Archeologia e Scienze Naturali “G. Zannato”, while the military and historical material was restored by the association which has displayed it since 2003 as the Museo delle Forze Armate 1914-1945.

After several temporary premises, since 2014 the museum has been based at via del Lavoro 66, inaugurated on 10 May under an agreement between the Municipality and the association. It is recognised by the Veneto Region as a site of historical interest and, since 2021, has collaborated with the Museo Storico Italiano della Guerra in Rovereto.

On the first floor a permanent route illustrates, case by case, the period from the First World War to the Liberation, with sections on the First World War, the 1920s and 1930s, the Second World War, weapons and personalities. A highlight is the reconstruction of a Pasubio trench over 120 square metres, with nine spaces. Outside and in the other rooms are the vehicle park, the artillery park, an aeronautical room and a naval room.

Highlights

• Reconstruction of a Pasubio trench over 120 m²
• Chronological route from the First World War to the Liberation
• Military vehicle park, including Wehrmacht motorcycles
• Artillery park and weapons from 1914 to 1945
• Aeronautical room and naval room
• Section dedicated to Ferruccio Bonapace, Gold Medal of Military Valour

Permanent exhibitions

• Itinerario 1914-45 – Chronological route from the First World War to the Liberation, with a reconstructed Pasubio trench, uniforms, weapons and personal items.
• Parco veicoli e parco artiglierie – Military vehicles and artillery pieces from the period 1914–1945.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Comune di Montecchio Maggiore / Associazione Museo delle Forze Armate 1914-1945

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The museum has no admission ticket: a voluntary contribution of €5 per person (adults only) is suggested to support the venue.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is on two floors; a lift is available for people with mobility difficulties to reach the first floor, where the permanent exhibition is.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

For children the museum offers a reconstructed snowy trench, the chance to climb onto some military vehicles with staff, model-building and activities such as “colorare il museo” (colouring the museum); by arrangement, birthday parties can be organised.

Getting there & parking

The museum is about 5 minutes from the Montecchio Maggiore exit of the A4 and the Pedemontana Veneta motorway (about 15 km from Vicenza and 45 km from Verona).

Amenities & dining

Library and historical archive available on request from staff. Animals are admitted both to the outdoor park and inside the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit