Arnhems Oorlogsmuseum ’40–’45
Private Second World War museum near Arnhem with weapons, uniforms, documents, dioramas and vehicles from the war years in and around Arnhem.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Arnhems Oorlogsmuseum first opened to the public on 27 May 1994. It was founded by the collector Eef Peeters; a private passion grew into a permanent museum run by a foundation. It is housed in the former Christian school in Schaarsbergen on the Kemperbergerweg and is not listed in the Dutch museum register.
Besides a general overview, the museum above all wants to show what happened in Arnhem and the surrounding area during the war years, and to preserve the memory of that time for future generations. The region is particularly well known for the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.
The collection grew mainly through donations from private individuals who owned unique pieces and wanted to know they were in good hands. Today it is considered the largest publicly accessible private collection in Europe of Allied and German weapons, uniforms and documents, along with everyday objects such as ration coupons and wartime newspapers. Dioramas with original material show scenes from that time; a Soviet T-34 tank stands in front of the building, and further vehicles and heavy weapons can be found in the building and on the grounds.
The museum's logo, the polar bear of the British Polar Bear Division, which operated under Canadian command and took part in the liberation of Arnhem, is also its trademark.
Highlights
- Europe's largest publicly accessible private collection on the Second World War
- Allied and German weapons, uniforms and documents
- Dioramas with original material and everyday objects from the war years
- Soviet T-34 tank in front of the museum
- Focus on the war years in Arnhem and the surrounding area
Permanent exhibition
- Dauerausstellung zum Zweiten Weltkrieg in und um Arnhem – Weapons, uniforms, documents, everyday objects and dioramas from the war years, plus vehicles and guns.
- Founded
- 1994
- Operated by
- Stichting Arnhems Oorlogsmuseum 40-45
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €12 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €10free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 11 €10; free up to and including age 5. |
| Seniors | €10From age 65. |
| Groups (20+ people) | –For 20 or more people €1 discount per person. |
The Museumkaart is not accepted. Payment by card or cash possible.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- 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
Accessible with a wheelchair or rollator, a loan wheelchair is available; a visit with a mobility scooter (Scootmobil) is not possible because of space constraints. The upper floor can be reached by stairlift. Dogs may come in but must be carried or pushed in a buggy.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
Children up to and including age 5 have free admission; buggies are allowed in the building.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus line 9; the stop is directly in front of the museum.
By car
Free parking
Free parking at the museum with plenty of space; coaches can park next to the museum in Schaarsbergen.
Amenities & dining
- Coat check
Backpacks are not allowed in the museum and can be handed in at the ticket desk.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Photography | Photography without flash allowed. |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Reservation not required. |
