At the foot of the triumphal arch in Brussels' Jubelpark lies the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History. We went to take a look at this immense museum in the European heart of Brussels, using two tours in the ErfgoedApp.
The Middle Ages: a time of heroic knights and damsels
You start your museum visit in the 'Weapons and Armor' room. This is also where the latest tour in the ErfgoedApp begins, which is fully tailored to the youngest squires. Digi-knight takes the little ones on a tour through the hall, where you will learn how armor, shields, and weapons were made and used in the past. There are also a few quiz questions you can answer. You will find the answers in the exhibition.
For the King, for Freedom, and for Justice: the beginnings of the Belgian army
Next, you will find yourself in the Technical Room, which houses a large collection of Belgian flags, rifles, swords, and even horseshoes. Here, you can see the technical changes that the army has undergone over the years. The pennants show the evolution of the firearms used by the Ministry of Defense.
Next to the Technical Room is the Historical Room. Here you will find various costumes worn by army officers and soldiers during their international missions in the19th century. The museum is currently renovating the exhibition on the Belgian Revolution and the creation of Belgium (1815-1830). You will soon be able to visit it again in its entirety!
Lest we forget: the Great War
In the hall dedicated to the19th century, you walk up the stairs to the exhibition hall about the First World War. Here too, the ErfgoedApp a tour for the youngest soldiers. Based on 'Visual Arts from the Great War', the app reveals interesting facts about the First World War and the Belgian army. The room is divided according to the countries that participated in the Great War. For each country, you will find the national uniforms, weapons, and vehicles used. You will learn more about each country's specific role in the war and get an explanation of what the situation was like in their home countries. The exhibition takes you from the start to the end of the First World War, highlighting all its facets along the way. In addition, there is also the Russian room, where you can view the remaining heritage objects of the Tsarist army and the monarchy.
Is it a plane? Vehicles of the army, navy, and air force
Next, you enter the large hall with information about the navy, the army, aviation, and expeditions to Antarctica. The most impressive are the planes, fighter jets, helicopters, and tanks that you can admire in this large exhibition hall. Various models are on display in this hall, allowing you to follow the evolution of the vehicles. There are even a few examples that visitors are allowed to sit in.
The interwar period and World War II
Then you continue on to the exhibition about the interwar period and World War II. This permanent exhibition is located in the Bordiau Hall of the museum and is spread over three floors. You will learn not only about the occupation and liberation of Belgium, but also about persecution techniques and genocide. Attention is also paid to collaboration in Belgium and to the repression after liberation. A broad narrative is told, explaining all the important social, political, and economic aspects of World War II. And there are various multimedia applications, making it an interactive and educational experience.
The best view comes after the hardest climb.
Finally, a museum ticket also gives you access to the top of the Triumphal Arch in the Jubelpark. Next, there is the Arcade Hall, where there is an exhibition about the weapons, uniforms, and costumes of the French army during the18th and19th centuries. An extra that is not to be missed!
The Royal Museum of the Army and Military History is a large, comprehensive museum where different generations can spend a whole day. There is an interesting exhibition for every period. The museum is not only interesting for admirers of the Belgian army, but also for people who are interested in a broader Belgian and historical narrative. Using the ErfgoedApp , the youngest knights and soldiers ErfgoedApp search for interesting facts about the Middle Ages and the Great War.
