The Nationaal Militair Museum has a fascinating history dating back to the early 20th century. It all began in 1913, when the Legermuseum was founded in Delft and the Luchtvaartafdeeling (LVA) - the Dutch Air Force - was established in Soesterberg. This place is therefore of particular importance to Dutch military history, being the cradle of military aviation in this country.

In 1968, the Militaire Luchtvaart Museum (MLM) was established at the Soesterberg air base and officially opened on July 3 by Prince Bernhard. At that time, the museum was housed in one of the base's hangars. Over the following decades, both the Legermuseum and the MLM collected valuable exhibits related to the history of the Dutch armed forces.

A turning point came in 2003 with the decision to close the Soesterberg air base as part of budget cuts by the Ministry of Defense. The base, which had been in continuous operation from 1913 to 2008 (with the exception of World War II), ceased its activities. However, this did not mean the end of the history of this place—on the contrary, a new chapter began.

On January 25, 2013, construction of a new museum began on the site of the former base. The architectural design was impressive—a modern building with huge glass walls, which was to house the combined collections of the Legermuseum and the MLM. Work progressed rapidly, and on December 11, 2014, King Willem-Alexander officially opened the Nationaal Militair Museum. Two days later, on December 13, the museum was opened to the public.

The architecture of the museum deserves special attention. The building was designed to make maximum use of natural light, which creates an extraordinary atmosphere when viewing the exhibits. Glass walls allow for a smooth transition between the interior of the museum and the surrounding area of the former air base. Spacious exhibition halls allow even the largest exhibits, such as aircraft and tanks, to be displayed in a way that allows visitors to view them from different perspectives.

The entire museum is located at Verlengde Paltzerweg 1 in Soest (postcode 3768 MX), at the geographical coordinates 52°07′54″N 5°16′34″E. This location is no coincidence - it is here that the heart of Dutch military aviation beat for almost a century.

Some of the original hangars from the former air base have also been preserved on the museum grounds, which adds to its historical value. Visitors can therefore not only admire the exhibits, but also experience the atmosphere of an authentic military base. One of the most valuable objects is the oldest aviation building in the Netherlands, from which you can admire the panorama of the surrounding area.

It is also worth mentioning the history of the Soesterberg base itself during World War II. Between 1940 and 1945, the base was under German occupation. This difficult period is documented in a special photographic exhibition in the museum, showing everyday life and military operations at the base. It is an important part of the exhibition, reminding us of the tragic pages of history and emphasizing the importance of peace in the modern world.

The Nationaal Militair Museum is a real treasure trove of knowledge about Dutch military history, where every visitor will find something for themselves. The collection of over 300,000 artifacts is impressive, but it is the way they are presented that makes a visit to the museum an unforgettable experience.

One of the most spectacular parts of the museum is the main exhibition hall, where 19 aircraft and helicopters are on display. These machines are suspended at various heights, allowing them to be admired from many perspectives. Among them are both historic aircraft that took part in important military operations and modern fighter jets. The view from the upper gallery is particularly impressive, as it allows visitors to observe these powerful machines from a bird's eye view.

The heaviest exhibit in the museum is the Leopard 2A6 tank, which attracts attention not only with its size but also with its advanced technology. It is one of the most modern tanks ever used by the Dutch army. Next to it, you can see many other armored vehicles that document the evolution of the land forces over the decades.

A unique feature of the museum is the Xplore zone, an interactive space where visitors can literally step into a soldier's shoes. This place is particularly popular among younger visitors, who can test their skills in various military simulations, learn about the equipment used by modern armed forces, and even feel the weight of a soldier's full equipment. The Xplore zone is not only entertainment but also education—it shows what everyday life in the armed forces looks like, what challenges soldiers face, and what skills they must have.

The veteran storytelling sessions, during which former soldiers share their memories of military missions, are also a unique experience. These personal stories add an extra dimension to the exhibits, showing the human face of armed conflicts. For many visitors, these meetings are the most moving part of their visit to the museum.

For school groups and families with children, there is a special classroom that recreates the experiences of 'war children'. It is a moving exhibition that shows in an accessible way how armed conflicts affect the youngest. Importantly, this part of the museum is available not only in Dutch, but also in English and even in sign language, making it accessible to a wide audience.

One of the lesser-known but extremely valuable elements of the museum is the Treasury. This is where the real gems of the collection are displayed—old paintings depicting battle scenes, classic weapons of exceptional historical and artistic value, and other treasures that require special display conditions due to their delicacy or uniqueness. The Treasury is a treat for connoisseurs of art and military history.

It is also worth mentioning the museum's digital database, which provides access to information about exhibits that are not currently on display. This is a great solution for researchers and enthusiasts who want to explore specific topics related to military history.

The museum is not limited to indoor spaces. Walking and cycling trails have been marked out on the site of the former air base, allowing visitors to discover the history of this place in a broader context. During the walk, you can see the remains of military infrastructure and enjoy the nature that has reclaimed the former base over the years. It is an excellent option for those who need some fresh air after an intense tour of the indoor exhibitions.

The Nationaal Militair Museum is a place that offers much more than a traditional museum. It is a comprehensive experience that combines education, entertainment, and reflection on military history and its impact on contemporary society. Why should you put it on your list of places to visit during your stay in the Netherlands?

First of all, the museum is an ideal destination for those planning a city break in Europe. Located near Utrecht and Amsterdam, it is a perfect day trip from these cities. It is an alternative to typical city attractions, allowing you to see a different side of Dutch culture and history. For tourists interested in urban life, the museum offers an interesting perspective on how armed conflicts have shaped the development of cities and societies.

The museum is also a great place for families with children. Interactive exhibitions in the Xplore zone, the opportunity to see impressive war machines up close, and educational programs tailored to different age groups ensure that even the youngest visitors will not be bored. Parents will appreciate the fact that the museum presents military history in a way that emphasizes the value of peace and international cooperation.

For aviation enthusiasts, the Nationaal Militair Museum is a real treat. The collection of aircraft and helicopters is one of the best in Europe, and the opportunity to see these machines in a spacious interior, where they can be admired from different perspectives, is a unique experience. In addition, the history of the Soesterberg air base, which was the heart of Dutch military aviation for almost a century, adds an extra dimension to the visit.

Art lovers will also find something for themselves here. The museum's treasury contains valuable paintings, weapons of artistic value, and other exhibits that combine military history with cultural heritage. This shows how closely these two fields are intertwined and how armed conflicts have influenced the development of art.

It is worth noting that the museum places great emphasis on peace awareness. Exhibitions on various conflicts, from the Eighty Years' War, through the Napoleonic era, World War II, to the Cold War, show not only the military aspects, but also their impact on society. This makes a visit to the museum an opportunity to reflect on the importance of peace in the modern world.

The Nationaal Militair Museum stands out from other European military museums with its modern approach to presenting exhibits. Instead of traditional, static exhibitions, it offers multimedia and interactive experiences that engage visitors on many levels. This makes the museum attractive both to those interested in military history and to those who are just beginning their adventure with this subject.

If you are planning a visit to the Nationaal Militair Museum, it is worth knowing that ticket prices are average compared to other Dutch tourist attractions. The museum also offers family tickets, which are an economical solution for those traveling with children. There is a café on site where you can relax and have a bite to eat while sightseeing.

The Nationaal Militair Museum is not only an exhibition of military items, but also a living history lesson. It is a place that shows how armed conflicts have shaped the fate of nations and how military technology has evolved over the centuries. It is also a space for reflection on the importance of striving for peace and international cooperation. Whether you are passionate about military history or simply looking for an interesting place to visit during your stay in the Netherlands, the Nationaal Militair Museum is sure to impress you.