Museum Bevrijdende Vleugels
Airborne and liberation museum in Best on Operation Market Garden of 1944, with aircraft, vehicles, weapons and dioramas.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The origins lie in a special exhibition that Jan Driessen (1921–2010) staged in Veghel in 1984 for the 40th anniversary of Operation Market Garden. Because of its great success, he wanted to preserve it permanently. In 1996 the Dutch Ministry of Defence offered a former mobilisation site in Best; the museum opened there on 17 September 1997 in the presence of Prince Bernhard.
From 2009 the museum was extensively modernised, with redesigned halls and an additional exhibition room; much of this was done by volunteers. The museum tells how the south of the Netherlands was liberated at the end of the Second World War, with a focus on the airborne landings of September 1944.
A special feature is the origin of the exhibits: vehicles, aircraft, equipment and weapons were to a large extent actually used in Operation Market Garden. They include a Dakota C-53, Waco and Horsa gliders, half-tracks and German flak guns. Photos and dioramas show events on the ground; a flight simulator is also available.
Highlights
- Dakota C-53 and Waco and Horsa gliders
- Original vehicles, half-tracks and Flak 88
- Dioramas and photos on the liberation of the south of the Netherlands
- Flight simulator and audio tour for adults
- Treasure hunt with the mascot Jumpy for children
Permanent exhibition
- Dauerausstellung zur Operation Market Garden – Authentic aircraft, vehicles, uniforms and weapons from the airborne landings of September 1944, complemented by photos and dioramas.
- Founded
- 1997
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €14 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7Veterans (with veteran's pass) |
| Children & teens | €8free up to age 3 · Children from 4 to 12 years €8, up to 3 years free; adult rate from 13 years. |
Tickets online or at the box office at the same price; booking in advance is not necessary. The Museumkaart is not accepted. An audio tour is included in the adult ticket.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A wheelchair, a rollator and an accessible toilet are available; dogs are allowed on a lead.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
Free treasure hunt with the mascot Jumpy, colouring sheets and a parachute craft activity. Children's birthday parties led by a "real soldier" with soldier training and a visit to the Dakota. The Kabouterpad (gnome trail) invites you on a nature walk; the booklet costs €5.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Haltestelle vor dem Museum (Buurtbus 260)
By Buurtbus 260 (weekdays) from Best station to the stop directly in front of the museum; plan your journey at 9292.nl.
Groups of more than 15 people and visits with a guide, please register in advance.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Restaurant
Brasserie ’t Boshuys on the grounds with playground (outdoor play castle, indoor play room).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Private group tours on request via the form (non-binding quote); groups of more than 15 people or with a guide, please register in advance. Additional programmes such as a jeep tour, archery, Highland Games or "Expeditie Airborne" can be booked. |
