Nationaal Militair Museum

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Nationaal Militair Museum was created by merging two museums with long traditions: the Legermuseum (Army Museum), whose roots lie in the private collection of General F. A. Hoefer and which was last housed in the Armamentarium in Delft, and the Militaire Luchtvaart Museum (Military Aviation Museum), which had started out in 1968 as an air force museum at Soesterberg airfield. Around 2000, the state inspectorate found that both collections were inadequately housed, and the Ministry of Defense then decided to create a joint museum.

When Soesterberg air base closed in 2008 after almost a hundred years of military aviation, its grounds were an obvious choice – this was where the Dutch army's first aviation unit had been established in 1913. The new building was built and operated as a public-private partnership. The main building, beneath an enormous roof measuring about 250 by 100 meters with a 33-meter tower, was opened by King Willem-Alexander on December 11, 2014; the Delft museum and the old aviation museum had closed in 2013.

The museum is run by the Stichting Koninklijke Defensiemusea, which also includes the Marinemuseum in Den Helder and the Mariniersmuseum in Rotterdam. The exhibition tells the history of the armed forces from the late Middle Ages to present-day missions, with armor, cannons and paintings as well as tanks, helicopters and fighter planes. It is surrounded by Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg with preserved hangars and shelters.

Highlights

• "Arsenaal" with cannons, tanks, vehicles and aircraft, including an F-16 and a Chinook helicopter
• "Dogfight" aviation gallery with highlights of Dutch military aviation
• Treasury with paintings, ceremonial weapons and armor; knights on horseback and Landsknechts
• Immersive experience "De Klas van ’45" about World War II from the perspective of five schoolchildren
• Xplore play area with a Chinook, tank, submarine and castle to climb
• Outdoor grounds in Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg with aircraft and rides in military vehicles

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung und Arsenaal – A tour through the history of the Dutch armed forces from the late Middle Ages to today, with a dome film, a treasury and a large hall full of cannons, tanks and aircraft.
• De Klas van ’45 Xperience – Walk-through scenes tell the story of World War II through the true stories of five schoolchildren; about 30 minutes, recommended for ages 9 and up.
• Xplore – Play area for children with large play structures – a Chinook, tank, submarine and castle – and games about the armed forces.

Founded

2014

Operated by

Stichting Koninklijke Defensiemusea (SKD)

Director

Jelle Rijnhout (vestigingsmanager); Frankwin van Beers (directeur-bestuurder SKD)

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart, likewise with the VriendenLoterij VIP-kaart, Rembrandtkaart, ICOM card, Veteranenpas, MOD-pas, Dutch Defensiepas, Postactievenpas and Vrienden NMM-pas (not valid for events). The Museumkaart is available at the ticket desk. The outdoor grounds are freely accessible (except during the Soesterberg Zomeroffensief); outdoor activities are sold only at the outdoor ticket booth, card payment only.

Accessibility

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

According to the museum, fully wheelchair-accessible, but with long distances. A few loaner wheelchairs with a €1 coin deposit (bringing your own cushion is recommended; no reservations). Accessible parking spaces in P2. Guided tours for visitors with visual impairments on request. De Klas van ’45 is also available in sign language. Participates in the Sunflower program for hidden disabilities. Escape room Bunker 83 is wheelchair-accessible. Air-conditioned.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum describes itself as a Kidsproof museum and considers visits suitable from about age 4. Xplore play area, outdoor playground and obstacle course, scavenger hunts, junior tours and, in season, rides in mini jeeps and military vehicles. De Klas van ’45 is recommended for ages 9 and up, the War Stories photo exhibition for ages 12 and up. Buggies can be borrowed at the information desk; baby changing room by the restrooms. Children's birthday parties with a mission game for ages 5 to 12.

Getting there & parking

Easy to reach by bike: follow the signs "Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg" or "Nationaal Militair Museum"; entrance near cycling junction 55, bike racks next to P1. Free shuttle truck to the outdoor activities in season, 12:00–15:30.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Espresso bar and restaurant De Veldkeuken (operated by La Place); the restaurant is also accessible without a museum ticket. Museum shop with books on military history, open without a ticket. Cloakroom and lockers to the right of the entrance; no large suitcases. Free Wi-Fi. Food brought from home may be eaten only at the seating near the ticket desk, in the Arena and around the building. Dogs are not allowed in the building (except assistance dogs) and must be leashed outside.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

Up to 500 guests.

Auditorium with foyer (200 seats), the Arsenaal by the F-16 and Chinook (up to 150), the Dogfight gallery (up to 500) and the Under the Wings outdoor area for conferences, dinners, receptions and corporate family days. Bridal photo shoots are not accommodated.

Plan your visit