Information

Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History – A thousand years of history and memory in the heart of Brussels

The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History impresses from the very first glance. Located in the majestic setting of Cinquantenaire Park in the heart of Brussels, it invites visitors to dive into more than 1,000 years of military history, from medieval weapons and armour to some of the most iconic fighter aircraft. Many people walk past its grand arcades without entering—but those who do often leave deeply impressed.

Here, history is not limited to battles and dates. It unfolds through authentic objects, human stories and spectacular spaces. The visit moves between wonder, reflection and discovery, in a place that is both monumental and emotionally powerful.

From medieval armour to the world wars

The journey begins with the early centuries, featuring a remarkable collection of medieval weapons and armour. Some pieces rank among the museum’s treasures, including those that once belonged to Charles V and the Dukes of Burgundy. Their craftsmanship, weight and decoration tell stories not only of warfare but also of power and prestige.

The visit continues with an in-depth exploration of the First and Second World Wars. The museum holds a unique collection dedicated to the First World War, bringing together objects from all the countries involved in the conflict. Uniforms, equipment, weapons and historical artefacts help build a broader and more human understanding of the events that shaped the 20th century.

Few visitors leave these galleries untouched. They encourage reflection on the past, its consequences and its echoes in today’s world.

A spectacular aviation hall

One of the highlights of the museum is the impressive Aviation Hall. In this vast, light-filled space, more than one hundred aircraft are displayed—from early flying machines to modern fighter jets such as the famous F-16. The scale of the hall and the diversity of the aircraft fascinate both aviation enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Some fascinating details make the experience even more memorable: several aircraft arrived at the museum in pieces, dismantled so they could fit through the doors. Some of them have been exhibited here for almost a century, silent witnesses to technological progress and the conflicts of the modern age.

For many visitors, this hall remains one of the most striking parts of the museum thanks to its impressive scale and unique atmosphere.

The Cinquantenaire panorama: history meets the city

The visit can continue to the top of the Cinquantenaire Arcades, accessible from the museum. From there, visitors enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Brussels. The city stretches out in every direction, offering a striking contrast between the modern urban landscape and the historical journey just experienced inside the museum.

The arcades themselves have an interesting story: they were built in just nine months in 1905, replacing a temporary arch that had previously been assembled and dismantled repeatedly. This architectural detail adds yet another layer to the rich history of this remarkable site.

Opening times

Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 to 17.00 • Closed on Mondays and 1/01, 1/05, 1/11, 25/12.

Price

adults €12 • students and children (6-18): €9 • Free for children (< 6), disabled with carer, veterans and Belgian defence staff • Free for everyone on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 13.00

Tour length

2 hrs

Group

Price (15 / 25 visitors): adults €9 • children and students (6-18): €4

Guided tour €87 per group (max. 25 people) for a weekday visit (€97 on weekends) + admission: €7 per adult / €3 per youth. Duration: 1h30 Conditions: reservation required at least 3 weeks before the chosen date: reservation@whi.be

More information • Cafeteria and shop.

This is one of the largest military museums in the world. It showcases 10 centuries of history, with no fewer than 130 aircraft from every era. An impressive collection of military uniforms from medieval times to the present day. An exhibition on the two great world wars. In short, the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History has everything to charm young and old alike. The train will be just the thing to take you to the Parc du Cinquantenaire!
------------------------
Enjoy this historic train trip at a royal price: buy your tickets for the Musée de l'Armée and get a 50% discount with the Discovery Ticket!

Buy your e-ticket at https://militarymuseum.be/fr and add a free Discovery Ticket voucher to your shopping basket.
Look out for the Discovery Ticket code on your Musée de l'Armée e-ticket: it's a 16-character code.
Order your Discovery Ticket here.
Print your Discovery Ticket or show the PDF on your smartphone screen when you check in on the train.
Enjoy your trip to the Musée de l'Armée!

Take advantage of the Discovery Ticket offer!

I DISCOVER THE OFFER

Weather in Brussels

Events

COBI, Small Bricks, Big History

From 01 Jul 2026 to 07 Oct 2026

• Opening times

  01/07/2026 - 07/10/2026: * monday: closed * tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday, saturday and sunday: from 09:00 to 17:00

• Price

  Normal: 12,00 € - Enfants: 9,00 € - Article 27: 1,25 €

The Royal Military Museum is partnering with the renowned brick manufacturer COBI for an exceptional exhibition throughout the museum! From impressive scale models to immersive dioramas, travel through history… A trail specially designed for families, along with many surprises, will also brighten up the summer! From 1 July to 7 October, discover the Museum and its collections and, at no extra cost, dive into an incredible universe! Practical info COBI, Small Bricks, Big History awaits you from 1 July to 7 October at the Military Museum! • Free discovery parcours (± 1h30, included in the Museum entrance ticket) • Booklet (FR, NL or EN!) available at the reception; please bring a pencil • No reservation required • Age: from 6 years old; the parcours is suitable for the whole family! • Various COBI models available for purchase in the Museum shop

Schatten van Vlieg @ Koninklijk Legermuseum

From 01 Jul 2026 to 31 Aug 2026

• Price

  Normal: 12,00 € - Enfants: 9,00 €

Je vois, je vois… ce que tu ne vois pas… et c’est construit en petites briques ! Cet été, pars à la recherche de nos impressionnants chars, canons et avions, recréés en miniature avec des briques COBI. Un parcours d’environ deux heures t’emmène à travers ces constructions fascinantes tout en te faisant découvrir des histoires extraordinaires. Besoin d’une pause ? Installe-toi à l’une de nos tables de construction et crée ton propre véhicule, château… ou tout ce que ton imagination t’inspire ! Grâce à notre parcours-jeu, découvre aussi la nouvelle exposition temporaire du Musée royal de l’Armée : Petites briques, grandes histoires. Au fil de ta visite, tu pourras admirer de superbes modèles réalisés en briques COBI, observer de magnifiques dioramas et laisser libre cours à ta créativité en construisant toi-même. Le parcours s’adresse aux enfants de 6 à 12 ans et se déroule au sein du Musée royal de l’Armée. Le Musée royal de l’Armée est ouvert du lundi au dimanche, de 9h00 à 17h00.

Cobi's party

From 23 Jul 2026 to 30 Jul 2026

• Opening times

  23/07/2026 - 30/07/2026: * monday, tuesday and wednesday: closed * thursday: from 13:30 to 16:00 * friday, saturday and sunday: closed

• Price

  Normal: 10,00 €

Blocky et ses amis ont choisi le Musée de l’Armée pour passer leurs vacances d’été ! Rejoins-les pour découvrir nos collections en t’amusant et faire la fête avec eux. Tu pourras même rentrer à la maison avec un petit souvenir en briques de ce chouette après-midi... Activité pour enfants de 8 à 12 ans pendant les vacances d'été. Au programme ? Jeu découverte à travers le musée, collation, et atelier créatif ! (Attention, parents non admis ! ) Infos pratiques • Activité pour enfants (sans adulte) pendant les vacances d'été • Pour qui : enfants de 8 à 12 ans • FR : 23/07 – NL : 30/07 • Programme : o 13:30 - 14:30 : grand jeu de découverte des collections o 14:30 - 15:00 : collation festive o 15:00 - 16:00 : atelier créatif • Inclus : l’entrée au musée, la collation et le matériel de bricolage) Réservation obligatoire ! Pour inscrire votre enfant, deux étapes : - en achetant un ticket sur la billetterie en ligne, - en confirmant votre réservation par mail à reservation@whi.be

Mystère au Labo COBI

From 17 Aug 2026 to 18 Aug 2026

• Price

  Normal: 50,00 €

Nous avons besoin de toi : notre labo COBI est en grand danger, et il nous faut les meilleurs experts pour le sauver ! Un scientifique fou menace de dérober toutes nos maquettes COBI pour créer une technologie effrayante. Nous avons besoin de tes talents pour l’en empêcher. Seras-tu à la hauteur ? Pendant deux jours, viens percer les mystères des petites briques COBI au Musée royal de l’Armée pour un stage super amusant ! Infos pratiques • Au programme : découverte de l’exposition COBI, jeu de piste, animations et bricolages. • Pour : enfants de 8 à 12 ans • Inclus : entrée au musée, matériel et collations • A prévoir : pique-nique • FR : 13 et 14/07 - NL : 17 et 18/08 Réservation obligatoire ! Pour inscrire votre enfant, deux étapes : • acheter un ticket via la billetterie en ligne • compléter le document disponible sur le site web !

Nearby...

Art & History Museum

Brussels

0.40 Km 00:02

Autoworld

Brussels

0.40 Km 00:02

Natural Sciences Institute

Brussels

2.03 Km 00:08

House of European History

Brussels

2.04 Km 00:05