Royal Army Museum (Museum of Military History)

The Royal Army Museum, also called the Museum of Military History, occupies the south wing of the colonnades at Parc du Cinquantenaire in eastern Brussels. It is among the largest military museums in Europe and, for its permanent collection, is free to enter. The collection traces Belgian and European military history from medieval weapons to the 20th century. Halls display armour, swords, uniforms and firearms, with substantial sections on the Napoleonic era, the First World War and the Second World War. The Aviation Hall, a vast space under a high glass roof, holds dozens of aircraft from early biplanes to jet fighters, including Spitfires, a Hawker Hunter and Cold War jets. The Tank Hall houses armoured vehicles, artillery and trucks, and an additional gallery shows the history of Belgian forces overseas. Visitors follow a mostly chronological route through the galleries, with labels in several languages. A visit takes about two hours, and aviation enthusiasts may spend longer. Weekday afternoons are the quietest, while weekends bring families. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, generally from 09:00 to 17:00, though hours should be verified before a visit. Metro lines 1 and 5 to Merode or Schuman are a six-minute walk away. The park outside offers views of the Triumphal Arch, and the Autoworld and Cinquantenaire Museum are in the same complex. A cafe is on site. Photographers favour the Aviation Hall, where aircraft can be seen from a raised gallery. In Brussels, Belgium, the museum offers a large free attraction suited to history fans and children interested in vehicles.