Military History of Holland

Some say war is a necessary evil. There are many sides to the history of war. The Dutch National Military Museum (NMM) presents mainly a technical collection of items that illustrate warfare through the ages. Fighter planes, artillery,  missiles, and guns offer a spectacular insight into technical warfare in recent army history. Dogs, horses, and bicycles also played their role in the First World War.

Recent War developments

Given recent developments in Ukraine and Gaza, a military museum appears to be more topical than ever. The museum is responding appropriately and in solidarity with the current development.

The Dutch Defense System, Hollandse Waterlinie

At the end of the 19th, century fortifications and fortified Dutch cities were crucial in the Dutch defense system. This system is known as the “Hollandse Waterlinie”. By letting the land between fortifications flow underwater many an enemy was stopped before the 19th century. In one of the playgrounds around the museum, children can play in a model of this system. Children play within and around the army museum between planes, within tanks, and on top of heavy artillery.
➔ READ MORE – UNESCO Dutch Water Defense Lines

History of the Dutch Armed Forces

The museum showcases the history of the Dutch armed forces, featuring a collection of military vehicles, aircraft, artillery, and other artifacts. It provides insights into the country’s military history, including its involvement in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
➔ READ MORE – The National Military Museum

Key Features of the National Military Museum

Exhibitions: The museum has exhibitions that cover different periods in Dutch military history, from ancient times to the present day.

Aircraft and Vehicles: There is a significant display of military aircraft, helicopters, tanks, armored vehicles, and other military vehicles, showcasing technological advancements and changes over the years.

Interactive Displays: Many exhibits incorporate interactive elements, such as simulations and multimedia presentations, to engage visitors and enhance the learning experience.

Historical Context: The museum aims to provide historical context to military events, helping visitors understand the role of the Dutch armed forces in various historical contexts.

Outdoor Area: In addition to indoor exhibitions, there is an outdoor area where larger military vehicles and aircraft are displayed.

Let the Dutch Army Museum surprise you

The director of the National Military Museum is Paul van Vlijmen. He is the creative former director of the Dutch Railway Museum in Utrecht. In this museum, Van Vlijmen developed a new dynamic approach to the public.  Under his wing, this museum became something special.

He arranged e.g. an exhibition related to Harry Potter and the Schweinstein Express; organized horror nights and indoor skating between the ancient trains. Now Paul van Vlijmen disposes not only of a martial museum but he could dispose of an airport as well. This former airport is a unique spacious festival location of incredible dimensions. We dream about Paul bringing Country Joe McDonald to the museum domain in a Woodstock-like atmosphere to sing his anti-war songs about Vietnam. Knowing Paul as a heartwarming person we hope he succeeds in banning wars to past episodes to be remembered only as an almost forgotten memory of former generations.

Music at the National Military Museum

Since the opening of the Military Museum, the Night of Military Music has been organized every March. The program of the Night of Military Music is organized thematically, in which military musicians seek out collaborations with guest artists from the Netherlands and abroad.

Theme 2022 – Fighting for the Arts –
Theme 2023 – United We Play – 18 March 2023
Theme 2024 – Together – 15 and 16 March 2024
➔ READ MORE – Night of the Music National Military Museum Soesterberg

Meeting 200 military musicians at the National Military Museum

The army has a sound of its own. The time that anti-war songs roll over the museum’s dominion is yet to come. In the first edition of the Night of Military Music, there were 30 ensembles on 8 different stages with small concerts all over the museum’s domain. Since then, a variety of musicians, and artists have performed, including big bands, regimental fanfare, and Garde Grenadiers. Attention is paid to the culture of our own country and culture from areas where Defense is or has been on a peace mission. Western sounds alternate with oriental and African sounds and there is also classical music to be heard. Every year there is an exciting and varied program.

Annual Night of Military Music at the National Military Museum

Every year there is a retrospective of the military museum’s night of music. The Night of Military Music is the music festival of the Military Music Staff of Defense and the National Military Museum. The best military musicians and guest artists present performances on multiple stages with classical, jazz & soul, musical theater, military traditions, and modern world music. These retrospectives can be viewed on YouTube.
➔ READ MORE – Night of the Music National Military Museum – YouTube

How to get to the National Militare Museum?

The National Militare Museum in the Netherlands is located in Soest.

Travel by train, bus, or bicycle. The museum is a one-hour traveling by train and bus from Amsterdam. The National Military Museum is at a distance of 15 km from the center of the city of Utrecht. By bicycle, it will take you about 1.5 hours to get there. You can rent a bicycle at the Central Railway Station. From the Central Railway Station in Utrecht. The best way to plan you’re trip to the National Military Museum is on the public transport website.

Travel by car or bicycle to the Military Museum in Soest, the best way is by using Google Maps or Waze Navigation.

Address: National Military Museum, Verlengde Paltzerweg 1, 3768 XM Soest
➔ READ MORE – Public Transport Planner – 9292.nl
➔ READ MORE – By bike through a Dutch National Park to the Military Museum and the Zoo

Hotel Kontakt der Kontinenten is the best hotel near the National Military Museum

The Hotel Kontakt der Kontinenten is a conference hotel in a former mission house and monastery and guarantees a peaceful stay. The hotel is located in the National Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug where you can make great walks and cycling tours. The hotel is about 5 km from the military museum. The city of Amersfoort is 15 km away and the city of Utrecht is 20 km. Behind the hotel, Kontakt der Kontinenten is the Spa Soesterberg.
➔ READ MORE – Book here Hotel Kontakt der Kontinenten
➔ READ MORE – Spa, Sauna, Welness in Soesterberg

Zwartboek, Blackbook, the best Dutch War Movie ever

In line of a visit at the National Military Museum you might like to see a Dutch War movie. We advise you to see the movie “Zwartboek”. This is a film that is both amazing and terrifying and one that you will remember for a long time! This film gives an insight into the other side of the Second World War. Not just about the resistance heroes but also the people who were on the ‘wrong’ side and also about German soldiers who duty under the penalty of death. Heroism and fear go hand in hand in this film! Definitely worth a look!
➔ READ MORE – Order here the Dutch War Movie “Zwartboek” Blackbook