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Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History: A Journey Through Military History

Explore a millennium of military history with vast collections of arms, uniforms, and aircraft in Brussels' Cinquantenaire Park.

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The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, located in Brussels' Cinquantenaire Park, showcases a vast collection of military artifacts from the medieval era to modern times. Housed in impressive halls, the museum offers a comprehensive look at Belgium's military past and its role in international conflicts.

A brief summary to Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on the first Wednesday of the month after 13:00 for free entry.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the extensive collections.
  • Combine your visit with other museums in Cinquantenaire Park, such as Autoworld or the Art and History Museum.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and events.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is accessible via Brussels' extensive public transport network. The closest metro stations are Schuman and Merode, both on lines 1 and 5, approximately an 8-minute walk to the museum. Several bus lines (22, 27, 61, 80) and tram lines (81) also stop near the Cinquantenaire Park. A single metro/bus/tram ticket costs €2.30 when purchased with a contactless bank card.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Brussels. A taxi ride from the city center to the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History typically takes 10-15 minutes, costing approximately €11-€17, depending on traffic and time of day. Taxi fares generally start at €2.60, with a per-kilometer charge of €2.30 and a per-minute charge of €0.60. Note that a €2 surcharge applies for rides between 22:00 and 06:00.

  • Walking

    From the Schuman metro station, walk east along Avenue de Cortenbergh, following signs for Parc du Cinquantenaire. Enter the park and continue straight ahead; the museum will be on your left. From the Merode metro station, walk west along Avenue de Tervueren, then turn left into the park. The museum will be on your right. The walk from either station takes approximately 8 minutes.

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Discover more about Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, established in 1923, resides within the historic Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels. The museum's collection spans over 1,000 years of military history, featuring an array of weapons, uniforms, vehicles, and aircraft. The museum is divided into several sections, each dedicated to a specific period or aspect of military history. Visitors can explore exhibits on medieval armor, 19th-century weaponry, and the two World Wars. A highlight is the Aviation Hall, which displays over 100 aircraft, from vintage planes to modern fighter jets. The Navy section showcases naval history. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions on various military-related themes. The museum is housed in the northernmost halls of the Cinquantenaire complex, specifically the northern Bordiau wing and the North Hall. The North Hall, constructed in stone and metal for the 1880 National Exhibition, combines classical design with industrial innovation. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of Brussels from the arcades within Cinquantenaire Park.

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