The Nationaal Militair Museum in Soest offers a comprehensive look at Dutch military history, with a special focus on World War II. Located on the historic Soesterberg Air Base, the museum showcases an extensive collection of tanks, fighter jets, and wartime artifacts. Interactive exhibits and personal stories bring to life the experiences of Dutch soldiers during the war.
It’s an engaging destination for anyone interested in the Netherlands’ role in WWII.
The Historic Soesterberg Air Base: From WWI to Present Day
While many visitors come for the impressive aircraft collection, the ground beneath your feet at the Nationaal Militair Museum tells an equally compelling story. You’re standing on the Netherlands’ first airfield, established in 1910 and designated for military use in 1913.
Soesterberg’s history mirrors the nation’s military past—from its earliest aviation days through dark years as a Nazi “Fliegerhorst” during the 1940-1945 occupation. After liberation, it transformed into a key Cold War outpost, hosting the USAF 32 Tactical Fighter Squadron for four decades until 1994.
The airfield’s development coincided with significant advances in Fighter Command reorganization that revolutionized air defense capabilities across Europe in the 1930s.
Today, the museum preserves this rich history through outdoor exhibits featuring aircraft, vehicles, and original structures spanning more than a century of Dutch military aviation heritage.
WWII German Occupation and Dutch Resistance (1940-1945)
The Netherlands fell to Nazi Germany in just five days during May 1940, setting off one of the darkest chapters in Dutch history. As you walk through the Nationaal Militair Museum’s World War II exhibits, you’ll find compelling artifacts documenting the five-year occupation and brave Dutch resistance efforts.
The museum highlights how resistance fighters conducted sabotage operations, gathered intelligence, and maintained morale despite brutal repression. You’ll discover how Dutch pilots who escaped joined Allied air forces to continue the fight for liberation.
Exhibits also document the failed 1944 Battle of Arnhem and the tragic Holocaust deportations that claimed thousands of Dutch Jewish lives. Through personal stories, weapons, uniforms, and photographs, the museum provides a poignant window into this pivotal war period in Dutch history.
Like the Polish resistance during the Warsaw Uprising, Dutch underground fighters operated with limited supplies but demonstrated remarkable courage against overwhelming German forces.
Immersive Exhibits: Aircraft, Tanks and Military Vehicles
Stepping into the museum’s vast exhibition hall, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an impressive collection of military hardware spanning generations of Dutch and international military history. Over 19 aircraft and helicopters are displayed, from Cold War fighters like the F-86 Sabre and MiG-21 to historic warplanes including the Fokker D.VII and Supermarine Spitfire.
You can explore inside a Chinook helicopter and understand its military operations role. The massive 60-ton Leopard 2A6 main battle tank stands as the centerpiece among the museum’s armored vehicles collection.
For an interactive experience, try the “Xplore” game world where you’ll virtually operate various military equipment, from tanks to artillery, bringing the historical military vehicles to life beyond static displays. The museum features detailed information about the British Spitfire’s role in achieving Allied air superiority during World War II’s crucial air battles.
The Cold War Era: Bunker 83 and Beyond
Beyond the impressive collection of aircraft and vehicles, you’ll discover one of the museum’s most engrossing attractions: Bunker 83, an authentic NATO command bunker designed to withstand nuclear attacks during the height of Cold War tensions.
This interactive experience at the former Soesterberg Air Base immerses you in the geopolitical reality that shaped Dutch military strategy for decades. Inside, you’ll find:
- An escape room challenge that tests your problem-solving skills amid Cold War scenarios
- Original technological equipment showcasing NATO’s strategic operations
- Multimedia installations featuring firsthand accounts from military personnel
- Artifacts illustrating the Netherlands’ significant role in East-West relations
The exhibits extend beyond Bunker 83, covering the military buildup, proxy conflicts, and the eventual thawing of superpower hostilities that defined this vital period.
Personal Stories: Veterans’ Experiences and Memorabilia
While historical artifacts and machinery provide the framework of military history, it’s the personal narratives that truly bring the museum’s collection to life. As you explore the Nationaal Militair Museum, you’ll discover intimate displays featuring former Dutch soldiers’ belongings—uniforms, medals, and handwritten letters that reveal the human side of conflict.
Multimedia installations allow you to hear directly from these Militaire veterans as they recount their wartime experiences. Their oral histories create powerful connections across time. Particularly moving are the testimonies from resistance fighters who opposed Nazi occupation at tremendous personal risk.
This war museum excels by transforming abstract historical events into tangible personal journeys. Through interactive exhibits and archival footage, you’ll gain deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who lived through these defining moments.
Interactive Experiences: Obstacle Course and “Xplore” Game World
The museum’s commitment to immersive education extends far beyond static displays with two standout attractions that’ll get your heart racing. At the Nationaal Militair Museum (NMM) in Soesterberg Air, you’ll find yourself fully engaged with military history through physical and digital challenges.
Test your physical prowess on the obstacle course, experiencing firsthand the demanding conditions soldiers face in training
Enter the innovative “Xplore” game world where military technology comes alive through touchscreens and virtual reality
Climb inside a massive 60-ton Leopard 2A6 tank, feeling the scale of these impressive machines
Navigate through virtual simulations of various vehicles and equipment used by the Netherlands armed forces
These hands-on experiences transform your understanding of Dutch military history from theoretical to visceral.
Special Exhibition: “War Stories. Ukraine Up Close”
Moving from physically engaging experiences to emotionally gripping ones, visitors at the Nationaal Militair Museum now have access to a profound contemporary exhibition.
“War Stories. Ukraine Up Close” provides a compelling window into the ongoing conflict through personal narratives and authentic artifacts.
You’ll encounter powerful multimedia displays that immerse you in the realities faced by Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. The NMM has partnered with Ukrainian collaborators to curate this collection of military equipment, personal items, and interactive installations that capture the human dimension of modern warfare.
As the Royal Netherlands Armed Forces’ premier military museum, the NMM offers this exhibition as both historical documentation and a witness to Ukrainian resilience. The sights and sounds you’ll experience create a deeper understanding of the conflict beyond news headlines.
The Museum’s Architecture and Building 45 Panoramic Views
Striking architectural brilliance awaits you at the heart of the former Soesterberg Air Base, where the Nationaal Militair Museum stands as a masterful blend of modern design and historical reverence. The museum’s innovative structure complements its military surroundings while providing an immersive journey through Dutch military history.
Don’t miss these architectural highlights:
- Building 45’s panoramic observation points offering breathtaking views across the entire former air base
- Seamless integration of contemporary architecture within the historic military landscape
- Strategic design elements that enhance your understanding of Soesterberg Air Base’s significance
- Indoor-outdoor connectivity allowing you to experience both the museum’s collections and the surrounding grounds with their hiking and cycling trails
Educational Programs: Classroom Experiences in Multiple Languages
Expanding beyond its architectural wonders, the Nationaal Militair Museum offers powerful educational programs that bring Dutch military history to life in the classroom setting. You’ll find immersive experiences available in Dutch, English, and sign language, ensuring accessibility for diverse visitors.
The National Military Museum’s classroom experiences provide unique opportunities to engage with compelling stories from former Dutch servicemen firsthand. Students can deeply connect with the human side of military history through sessions that explore various perspectives, including the poignant experiences of war children.
These educational offerings transform how you’ll interact with Dutch military history, moving beyond passive observation to active engagement. Whether you’re a student, educator, or curious visitor, these multilingual programs deliver inclusive and impactful historical understanding through personal narratives.
Exploring the Outdoor Collection: Hiking and Cycling the Former Air Base
Beyond the museum’s walls, the sprawling grounds of the former Soesterberg Air Base invite you to explore Dutch military history in the open air. Once home to the Militaire Luchtvaart Museum, this historic site now offers hiking and cycling trails where you’ll encounter fascinating military relics among nature.
As you venture through the grounds, you’ll discover:
- Iconic fighter jets like the F86 Sabre and MiG-21 displayed in outdoor exhibits
- Cold War-era concrete shelters and hangars now inhabited by sheep and bats
- Camouflaged equipment hidden among trees, including the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System
- Remnants of military infrastructure that tell the story of the base’s transformation from active airfield to recreational space