Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History
Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History
Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History is the perfect stop for history and military enthusiasts. Located in the two northernmost halls of the Cinquantenaire Park historic complex, the museum collections comprise more than 10 centuries of military and technology history, ranging from suits of armor, antique firearms and swords to armored vehicles and airplanes. Numerous paintings, sculptures, decorations, and military uniforms bring back to life the military history of this area. Admission is free. Closed on Mondays.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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How to get there
- Mérode • 5 min walk
- Schuman • 10 min walk
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See what travelers are saying
- Hermes_NL 🇳🇱Amsterdam, The Netherlands20,132 contributionsVery large museum - take a full dayThe museum is very large … even though the 1st world war section was regrettably closed, one could easily spend a full day. The location in the big park is also quite appealing. Attractive displays although the planes were literally covered in dust.Visited June 2023Traveled soloWritten July 1, 2023
- Malachy KealeyPreston, United Kingdom12 contributionsVery possibly the best military museum in EuropeIt is a must-visit for any enthusiast of European and military history. The museum covers European military history in four main sections; the medieval era, the Napoleonic Era, World War I and finally World War II. Each section contains a wide collection of artifacts, vehicles and weaponry and a great deal of information regarding various key events, people and battles of significant importance. The World War I section greets you with its displays of artillery, tanks and planes and detailed information of the various campaigns of the war. The World War II section includes fascinating collections of propaganda from the era and impressive mannequin displays including German motorized infantry, US 101st Airborne Division and British paratroopers. Beyond all this, there is a sort of large aircraft hangar which has a massive collection of modern day fighter aircraft and helicopters. This museum is the most impressive I have ever seen and is very possibly the best military museum in Europe.Visited January 2023Traveled soloWritten August 1, 2023
- OwainUnited Kingdom22 contributionsGreat day out! Go for it!Brilliant museum and a great way to pass some time when in Brussels. Facinating and really interesting, they have a great collection. I wish they had more tanks though, they only have a small selection but have a lot of aircrafts. The section on the Soviet Union is also small. What they have and the aircrafts are amazing, I had to cut my trip short to catch my flight home but I wish I could have spent more time there. The aircrafts and world wars sections are facinating.Visited August 2023Traveled soloWritten August 14, 2023
- Kelly H7 contributionsYou have to goAn amazing museums. Some of the exhibits were being renovated when we went, but there is SO MUCH to see. They layout is easy to follow and the artifacts on display are beautiful. It's a very well thought and designed experience. The aviation hangar in particular is a standout. I particularly loved their dedicated Sabena exhibit.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 19, 2023
- Corinne L9 contributionsWorth it to seeThe museum is very big. You could spend more than a day here if you wanted to read everything displayed. We didn't. We enjoyed seeing the aircrafts and tanks. Actually, we saw 2 of the tanks started and driven as they looked like they had to move them around to reposition them. It was awesome to see. The view from the lookout at the top was amazing.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 11, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,393 reviews
Excellent
1,253
Very good
833
Average
243
Poor
45
Terrible
19
jpdk
Vejle, Denmark249 contributions
Jan 2020
This big museum shows the military history of Belgium, with lots of things on display, plus a big building filled up with aeroplanes.
The entre can be payd with credit card only, no cash are accepted. At the museum you will find, that all informations to the things on display are in French or Flemish langue only, only a very few places in this huge museum, you will find information in English
The entre can be payd with credit card only, no cash are accepted. At the museum you will find, that all informations to the things on display are in French or Flemish langue only, only a very few places in this huge museum, you will find information in English
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valerie P
Hot Springs Village, AR128 contributions
Jun 2022
Very well done, collections are curated better than most. Displayed chronologically so you can skip around if you have certain interests. The Aviation Museum is connected and included with your admission fee - has a varied collection as well.
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bubbles73uk
Weedon Bec, UK854 contributions
Jan 2020
This is one of the largest military museums in Europe. The exhibits present 12 centuries of history through military equipment & machinery. Don't miss the panoramic view of the city from the terrace on top of the Arcade du Cinquantenaire.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheAviator0765
Ripon, UK602 contributions
Jul 2023
I visited with the intent of just visiting the aviation section of this museum as that is my main area of interest and I was a bit time constrained before catching a train.
Entry was 11 euros, and I quickly (or tried) to find my way through the military section to the aviation hall, although I had to ask a member of staff as with work in progress and areas closed, the flow was not logical and signs were few and far between.
Into the aviation hall, I was there for about 10:30 and pretty had the place to myself. So this is the national depository of aviation in Belgium, and it has some real gems to wander around in what is a magnificent building.
But it appears to be in a state of near neglect. Aircraft resting on deflated tyres is not a good look. Most covered in a thick layer of dust. And so much bird poop! Interpretation boards are in both Belgian languages, nothing in English. The World War II section pays tribute to those pilots who flew with the RAF and then their own Belgian squadrons, but again is faded. Most of the upper gallery was closed off due to maintenance work which was disappointing, but needs to be done. And I left with the intent of checking out the bookshop, but it was closed between 12 and one (this is mentioned in the website, but does seem illogical).
So really interesting, but disappointing at the same time. It might be lack of money or staff, but compared to say the RAF Museum at Hendon, Duxford, Udvar-Hazy or the Smithsonian the exhibits really seemed to be neglected. Sorry, but that's the way it appears.
Entry was 11 euros, and I quickly (or tried) to find my way through the military section to the aviation hall, although I had to ask a member of staff as with work in progress and areas closed, the flow was not logical and signs were few and far between.
Into the aviation hall, I was there for about 10:30 and pretty had the place to myself. So this is the national depository of aviation in Belgium, and it has some real gems to wander around in what is a magnificent building.
But it appears to be in a state of near neglect. Aircraft resting on deflated tyres is not a good look. Most covered in a thick layer of dust. And so much bird poop! Interpretation boards are in both Belgian languages, nothing in English. The World War II section pays tribute to those pilots who flew with the RAF and then their own Belgian squadrons, but again is faded. Most of the upper gallery was closed off due to maintenance work which was disappointing, but needs to be done. And I left with the intent of checking out the bookshop, but it was closed between 12 and one (this is mentioned in the website, but does seem illogical).
So really interesting, but disappointing at the same time. It might be lack of money or staff, but compared to say the RAF Museum at Hendon, Duxford, Udvar-Hazy or the Smithsonian the exhibits really seemed to be neglected. Sorry, but that's the way it appears.
Written July 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel Gareth Duffy
11 contributions
Sep 2022
Rarely have I visited a place and left feeling so fulfilled and satisfied. This museum is huge, its exhibits are almost impossible to conquer within a day, and it has a wealth of material focusing mainly on military affairs from Napoleon and beyond. I spent the majority of my time in the WWII section, and it was incredibly informative re. Belgium's role in the war (and the Flemish/Wallonian split). If I had to offer some constructive criticism, they need more English translations (I can read French, but not fluently, so it took longer for me to get through exhibits) and much more information on certain exhibits. And they give free tap water refills in the café (unlike the rest of Belgian hospitality)!
Written September 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen H
Brussels, Belgium498 contributions
Jan 2021
Even with COVID, great experience. The aircraft section of the museum is not climate controlled, so dress appropriately. Do not forget the tanks outside (some people do). Remember the gift store is closed over lunch.
Written January 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hermes_NL 🇳🇱
Amsterdam, The Netherlands20,132 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
The museum is very large … even though the 1st world war section was regrettably closed, one could easily spend a full day. The location in the big park is also quite appealing. Attractive displays although the planes were literally covered in dust.
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
Antwerp, Belgium286 contributions
Jul 2020
We came to visit the airplains. And we were very dissepointed. Flat tires, missing info signs, patio chairs stored between fighter jets, monolingual (French) info signs, not accessible wall maps, .....
And when we ask for a sandwich at the bar, the staff member only speaks French. The classified sandwiches were not available.
It must be said other parts of the museum are in a more modern state.
There are also rooms that look like a large installed warehouse.
Our general impression is that of a general loss.
Fortunately, the entrance fee is very democratic.
And when we ask for a sandwich at the bar, the staff member only speaks French. The classified sandwiches were not available.
It must be said other parts of the museum are in a more modern state.
There are also rooms that look like a large installed warehouse.
Our general impression is that of a general loss.
Fortunately, the entrance fee is very democratic.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hans-jaguar
Santa Comba Dao, Portugal22,329 contributions
Dec 2022
After your visit of “Auto World”, you just cross the street and you can right away start your second visit who is the “Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History”.
Since May 1, 2017 the Royal Military Museum is part of the War Heritage Institute, the new reference institution for military heritage and remembrance in Belgium. Through temporary exhibitions and events this World Famous collection of weapons, uniforms, armoured vehicles and airplanes is accessible for all ages.
From medieval armours to the F-16 jet: the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History presents 12 centuries of military history through uniforms, weapons and heavy machinery. On top of that, it accomodates an Air and Space Hall with 130 airplanes and a brand new Antarctica room. The terraces on top of the Cinquantenaire gallery offer a panoramic view over the Belgian capital. The museum organizes temporary exhibitions on a wide thematical range as well. This two locations are worthwhile a visit.
Since May 1, 2017 the Royal Military Museum is part of the War Heritage Institute, the new reference institution for military heritage and remembrance in Belgium. Through temporary exhibitions and events this World Famous collection of weapons, uniforms, armoured vehicles and airplanes is accessible for all ages.
From medieval armours to the F-16 jet: the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History presents 12 centuries of military history through uniforms, weapons and heavy machinery. On top of that, it accomodates an Air and Space Hall with 130 airplanes and a brand new Antarctica room. The terraces on top of the Cinquantenaire gallery offer a panoramic view over the Belgian capital. The museum organizes temporary exhibitions on a wide thematical range as well. This two locations are worthwhile a visit.
Written January 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GAR
243 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
This museum houses a vast array of items, from huge artillery pieces and tanks down to small personal items that once belonged to soldiers. Sadly when I went the aviation hall was closed, and so I couldn’t access a couple exhibits that were on the other side. Still, there was a lot to see, including weaponry, uniforms, and two exhibitions, one on WWI and the other on WWII. Unfortunately not everything is in English, I had no problems in the WWI area as everything was translated but in other parts of the museum it was almost exclusively French and Flemish
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hoe lang duurt het ongeveer om door het museum heen te lopen? Dan kan ik het ruim opnemen in de planning.
Phil B
Plymouth, UK69 contributions
How much to get in
Trainbleu
Brussels, Belgium28,766 contributions
The rates have changed recently (1.1.19). The first Wednesday of of each month after 1 p.m. the museum is still free for everyone. The regular fee for adults (19 and older) now amounts to 10 euros; the 6 to 18 year olds pay 8 euros; children under 6 don’t pay. Entry is free for disabled people and their personal assistant. There are numerous reduced rates (students, members of youth movements, teachers, members of Belgian or foreign armed forces, veterans, groups … ). It seems best to contact the museum to be sure you qualify.
There is a combined ticket (Autoworld, Royal Museum of Art and History and Royal Military Museum) at 22 euro. It is valid for 3 months. Beware: card payment only
saraimartens
Antwerp, Belgium
Hoe groot is het museum? Liefst in vierkante kilometer!
Helena A
Porto, Portugal968 contributions
Niet te groot. Het is een pad van ongeveer 200 mts met een kleine bijlage (ongeveer 200 vierkante meter) gewijd aan de 1e oorlog, een andere bijlage gewijd aan Rusland (30 vierkante meter) en de ruimte van vliegtuigen (2 verdiepingen, misschien 500 vierkante meter). Het is koud, pak een jas. Er is een restaurant binnen. heeft gratis kluisjes bij de ingang.
Cosmicgill
Bolton, UK51 contributions
Hi, is the museum very busy, do you have to book in advance to go in?
Pascal Mathieu
Dilbeek, Belgium166 contributions
No need to book!
Ainaram
Barcelona, Spain31 contributions
How much time does the visit require? we want to visit the museum but we will only be two days in brussels, so I am interested to know if 60-90 minutes is enough.
LeBetting
Santos, SP908 contributions
Hi.
I stayed at the museum for five hours,but I really like guns and tank war.
I think two hours are enough.
Go to Grand Place and Atomium.
Have a nice trip :D
LeBetting
Santos, SP908 contributions
How do I get to Royal Museum from Central Station, please? Thank´s
PierreBMalta
San Gwann, Malta476 contributions
Best way is by Metro. Stop at Schuman and and ask for Park Cinquantenaire. It is on the left once you cross the Arch de Triumph.
ClaireMozzone
Bratislava, Slovakia30 contributions
Is it possible to visit the top of the Arcades? I would love to see the view from up there. Thanks.
Pascal Mathieu
Dilbeek, Belgium166 contributions
Yes, this is possible. There are exhibition halls at the upper floors of the Arcades and viewing terraces. Have a great visit.
Ben S
London, UK3 contributions
How long does it roughly take to see everything in the museum?
Pascal Mathieu
Dilbeek, Belgium166 contributions
If you want to visit every hall and floor, you need a day for an extensive visit and a few hours for a walk-through.
Mathew T
Cardiff, UK54 contributions
Hello
Are there any audio guides available (English) or is the information displayed multi language.
Many Thanks
Pascal Mathieu
Dilbeek, Belgium166 contributions
Hello Mathew. An audioguide is available in English. Most of the information displayed is in Dutch and in French.
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Claim your listingRoyal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History
- Hotels near Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History:
- (0.09 mi) Best Western Plus Park Hotel Brussels
- (0.18 mi) D'Ici D'Ailleurs Residence
- (0.48 mi) Living in Brusel, Urban B&B
- (0.18 mi) Lantsheere Halldis Apartments
- (0.30 mi) A Cote du Cinquantenaire
- Restaurants near Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History:
- (0.10 mi) Le Pre Aux Clercs
- (0.05 mi) Sky Café
- (0.11 mi) Autoworld Brasserie
- (0.12 mi) Le Saint Martin
- (0.16 mi) Bagnole Brasserie