Military History Museum of the Bundeswehr in Berlin (Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr)

On the history of aviation and air warfare at the authentic site

Memorial sites and monuments Museums for free History museums Natural history & technology museums

Air warfare as the latest variant of military violence: you can experience the 120-year history of aviation and air warfare at an authentic location in the Military History Museum of the German Armed Forces. At Berlin-Gatow airfield you can see one of the world's largest collections of air war material from the Cold War era, including starfighters, VIP helicopters and war arrows from the time of the First World War.

The Bundeswehr Military History Museum is located directly on a (former) airfield - Gatow in west Berlin. Germany's military aviation history between 1884 and the present is the focus. Insights into the development of planes and helicopters over this period await your discovery here. More than 100 flying vehicles occupy an extensive outdoor display area. Examples include the Interceptor fighter aircraft MiG-17 from 1959, military trucks, uniforms and personal equipment.

Large objects in the tower building and aircraft hangars

In 1987, the Bundeswehr acquires many of its 600,000 exhibition pieces from a private collection. The museum first opens its doors in 1995, allowing visitors to explore through thematically organised curation. The site is open air and also encompasses the tower building and two hangars. On the runway, the enormous aeroplanes, helicopters and air defence systems astound.

In Hangar 3 you will encounter air and ground support equipment dating back to 1884 and a replica triplane fighter aircraft Fokker Dr.I., an impressive insight into the life of soldiers in the tower building. Explore their personal estates and documents in the display cases. Models of the Gatower Airport during the Berlin Airlift are also on display here. Take a tour of the Bundeswehr Luftwaffe since 1945 in Hangar 7. Exhibits showcase the everyday life of Luftwaffe soldiers such as German air traffic control. View informative footage in the cinema.

Highlights at the Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr

Transport aircraft Douglas C-47B "Dakota" (in the service of the Royal Australian Airforce since 1948)
Boot device of the Patriot surface-to-air missile system
Replica of biplane Farman III from 1910
Pressure suit of East German fighter pilot Sigmund Jähn
Field post letter of a mother to her son during the Second World War

Worthwhile targets in the vicinity

A former American interception building intercepts you on top of a man-made mountain (Teufelsberg) in nearby Grunewald. Take a 90-minute tour of the dome and learn about its military use. The mountain is the second highest peak of the capital and is made from debris from the World War II bombings. Up here, you have an exceptional view of Grunewald forest. In 15 minutes, you can walk from Teufelsberg to a Conservation Centre. Hike through themed open-air gardens (for example, rock garden or organic garden) and learn about conservation. Water is an important theme: amidst the gardens, Berlin's oldest waterworks are preserved.

Tips for the Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr

As a motorist, you can park for free directly in front of the museum entrance. But it is also reached comfortably by public transport: the BVG bus 125 stops at Seekorso or Kurpromenade, both a 10 minute walk from the museum. Cyclists can take advantage of the BVG ferry F10 from Wannsee to Alt-Kladow. Admission is generally free of charge. Join in the public guided tours on weekends.

Information for families and children

There are guided tours on request for families. Without an appointment, you can borrow special audio guides. Due to the war and military topics, it makes sense for children visiting to the museum to exceed the age of nine.

Opening hours