Royal Museum of Armed Forces and Military History, Brussels

Calling all young adventurers and history buffs! Brace yourselves for an epic journey through time at the Royal Military Museum in Brussels, otherwise known as Royal Museum of Armed Forces and Military History.

Here are practical details to plan your family visit to the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History.

In a Nutshell

• Free with the Brussels City Card, that gives you access to 49 museums, Atomium and public transport.

Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History

Step into a world where medieval armor meets modern tanks, and aviation takes flight alongside panoramic views. This military history museum has something for everyone, making it a fascinating destination for families with kids.

Picture this: you and your little ones exploring the halls filled with impressive displays of medieval armor, gazing in awe at the mighty tanks that once roamed the battlefields, and immersing yourselves in the captivating world of aviation.

Prepare for a unique experience as you enter a massive airplane’s passenger area, creating unforgettable memories for your kids. The aviation section is clearly a highlight, fueling young imaginations and sparking curiosity.

Top of Cinquantenaire Arch

The museum even grants you access to the top of the iconic Cinquantenaire arch, where a panoramic view of Brussels awaits!

Now, let’s address the elephant (or rather, museum) in the room: while not specifically tailored for kids, the Royal Military Museum offers an exceptional adventure even for little ones as young as three or four. The airplanes and tanks will capture their attention, making it a surprisingly engaging experience for the whole family.

Tips for Visiting the Royal Military Museum

Be sure to allocate ample time for your visit, as this massive museum requires at least three hours to see everything quickly. For a more thorough exploration, you can easily spend an entire day discovering the fascinating exhibits.

Keep in mind that some sections may close earlier than the museum’s official closing time, so plan accordingly to avoid missing out on any must-see areas.

While most signs are in French and Dutch, don’t worry! The museum’s displays speak a universal language, captivating visitors of all ages through visual storytelling.

Lastly, remember to dress warmly if you’re visiting the airplane section, as it may not be heated. Keep those jackets handy as you embark on your aviation adventure!

So, gather your little history buffs and embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the Royal Military Museum. From medieval knights to massive tanks and soaring airplanes, this extraordinary museum promises a day filled with wonder, learning, and the sheer thrill of exploring history’s greatest battles.

Brussels: City Card with STIB Public Transportation

The Brussels City Card gives you access to 49 museums, Atomium and public transport.

Get the Brussels City Card here

Tip for locals
If you live in Belgium, MuseumPass gives you access to 225 museums for a year. You can get the MuseumPass here.

Practical stuff

• Open every day 10.00-16.00 except Monday
• You can have drinks and food at the pop up bar in Cinquantenaire, there is also lots of space for kids to play (open in the summer)
  Guingette Maurice
• Also nice terrasse and brasserie La Terrasse
  La Terrasse
  Avenue des Celtes 1, 1040 Etterbeek
• Ice cream a bit further from Merode at Capoue
  Capoue Celtes
  Avenue des Celtes 36, 1040 Etterbeek
• Kids friendly café with a little ‘tree house’ in a separate room (about 10 minutes walk)
  Leopold Café Presse
  Avenue de Tervueren 107, 1040 Etterbeek
• Parking inside the park is no longer possible, you can find a parking place around the park (paid). There are parkmeters, so make sure you have change or the app Yellow Brick
• Not stroller friendly

Address

About 10 minutes walk from Schuman, Brussels (closest metro stop is Merode)

Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
Parc du Cinquantenaire, 1000 Bruxelles

Nearby

Cinquantenaire Park

Prepare to be enchanted by Parc du Cinquantenaire, a sprawling urban oasis nestled in the heart of the city. This magnificent park is an ideal setting for leisurely walks, family picnics, and a plethora of outdoor activities. Be sure to explore the iconic Triumphal Arch and the captivating museums housed within the park, including Autoworld, the Royal Military Museum, and the Art & History Museum.

But that’s not all! Cinquantenaire Park has not one, but two fantastic playgrounds that will keep your little ones entertained for hours on end. The first playground boasts a colossal sandpit adorned with a friendly dragon, inspiring imaginative adventures and creative play. Meanwhile, the smaller playground offers a cozy space with wood chips and a play area perfectly suited for younger children.

Cinquantenaire sandpit playground exact location here

Cinquantenaire small playground exact location here

Autoworld

Autoworld is a museum in the Cinquantenaire park, where kids can see old and new cars and learn everything about them.

Read more: Autoworld

Recommended

Brussels with Kids

Here are the best things to do in Brussels with kids, and where to stay – with practical tips from a local!

Read more: Brussels with Kids

I felt I found gold when I started diving into the Facebook group posts.

Thanks for beeing a real “childhood memories” builder!

Cristina O.

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