Bundeswehr Military History Museum, Dresden
The Bundeswehr Military History Museum in Dresden serves as the primary military museum of the German Armed Forces. It is notably one of the major military history museums in the country. Housed in a former military arsenal within Dresden's Albertstadt, the museum has undergone significant transformations throughout its history, culminating in a major reopening in 2011. This reopening introduced a redesigned interior and exterior, aligning the museum with a modernized conceptual approach.
Distinct from traditional military museums that often glorify warfare and military power, the Bundeswehr Military History Museum adopts a reflective and critical perspective. Its exhibitions are designed to explore the causes and consequences of war, emphasizing the human aspects such as the emotions, experiences, and impacts on individuals involved in conflicts. This focus aims to provoke thought and encourage visitors to question historical narratives and seek a deeper understanding of military history.
The museum is organized into thematic sections and also offers a chronological tour spanning three major periods: from 1300 to 1914, from 1914 to 1945, and from 1945 to the present day. This structure allows visitors to appreciate the evolution of military history in context, rather than in isolation. The exhibitions cover a wide array of topics, including the history of military technology, handguns, uniforms, insignia, and artistic representations of war. Furthermore, the museum maintains a comprehensive collection that includes an image archive, records, and a library.
One of the notable historical artifacts on display is the ship's bell from the SMS Schleswig-Holstein, recognized for its role in the onset of World War II when it fired upon Polish positions at Westerplatte on September 1, 1939.
The Bundeswehr Military History Museum presents a nuanced and introspective view of military history, aiming to educate and engage visitors in an exploration of the complex legacies of warfare.
Distinct from traditional military museums that often glorify warfare and military power, the Bundeswehr Military History Museum adopts a reflective and critical perspective. Its exhibitions are designed to explore the causes and consequences of war, emphasizing the human aspects such as the emotions, experiences, and impacts on individuals involved in conflicts. This focus aims to provoke thought and encourage visitors to question historical narratives and seek a deeper understanding of military history.
The museum is organized into thematic sections and also offers a chronological tour spanning three major periods: from 1300 to 1914, from 1914 to 1945, and from 1945 to the present day. This structure allows visitors to appreciate the evolution of military history in context, rather than in isolation. The exhibitions cover a wide array of topics, including the history of military technology, handguns, uniforms, insignia, and artistic representations of war. Furthermore, the museum maintains a comprehensive collection that includes an image archive, records, and a library.
One of the notable historical artifacts on display is the ship's bell from the SMS Schleswig-Holstein, recognized for its role in the onset of World War II when it fired upon Polish positions at Westerplatte on September 1, 1939.
The Bundeswehr Military History Museum presents a nuanced and introspective view of military history, aiming to educate and engage visitors in an exploration of the complex legacies of warfare.
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Bundeswehr Military History Museum on Map
Sight Name: Bundeswehr Military History Museum
Sight Location: Dresden, Germany (See walking tours in Dresden)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Dresden, Germany (See walking tours in Dresden)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Dresden, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Dresden
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dresden is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dresden Introduction Walking Tour
Dresden was likely settled on the banks of the River Elbe by Neolithic tribes as far back as 7,500 BC. But it also has a long and storied history as the long-time capital of Saxony. The Electors and Kings lived here for centuries, appointing the city with every cultural and artistic treasure.
Its modern form--and its name--comes from early Germanic people, who expanded East to mine the Ore... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Its modern form--and its name--comes from early Germanic people, who expanded East to mine the Ore... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Dresden's Architectural Jewels
If there is one thing Dresden is particularly famous for, it is the magnificent architecture. Although known primarily for its Baroque buildings, the city has several other architectural styles present too, such as Renaissance, Historicism, Modernism and Post-modernism.
Much of downtown Dresden was destroyed in February 1945 by Allied bombing, which in turn prompted the rebuilding of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Much of downtown Dresden was destroyed in February 1945 by Allied bombing, which in turn prompted the rebuilding of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Dresden New Town Walk
The Neustadt (New Town) of Dresden is a central district located on the north bank of the Elbe. Despite the name, this part of the city is not at all new and has been inhabited for as long as the Old Town on the opposite side of the river. Its “novelty” derives from "Neue Königliche Stadt" (New Royal Town), which is the title given to the area, formerly the district of Altendresden,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles