The Military History Museum, also known as the Bundeswehr, is officially the central museum of the German armed forces. It’s a great place to study the human tendency towards war and aggression. It consists of two parts: an old arsenal that was build around 1877 and a new wedge shaped extension, which cuts through the arsenal. Located in Albertstadt, it’s one of the largest museums in Germany with an exhibition area of around 20,000 square meters. The museum focuses on two things- the human facets of battle and the evolution of German military technology. The most interesting part of this museum is that it encourages people to look at the concept of war holistically. The museum wants people to decide whether there is ever a situation worth shedding blood for, for themselves.

The armory, which was the original building, was built in 1876, for Kaiser Wilhelm I. It served as an armory for 20 years and was transformed into a museum in 1897. The building was used for different purposes throughout its lifespan. It has served as the Saxon Armory and Museum, a Nazi museum, a Soviet museum, an East German Museum and today, it is the museum of Military History. Its transformations depict how the region’s social and political positions have been shifting throughout the history of the country. The building was left relatively unharmed during the bombing of Dresden in 1945 due its location on the outskirts of the city. It was closed down in 1989 but by 2001, the citizens desired to create an exhibition that would challenge tradition perspectives of war.

Architect Daniel Libeskind designed the new components of the building in order to bring out the contrast between old Germany and new Germany. The austere neo-classical building from the past now had a new addition: a transparent arrow head penetrating the building. The message behind this addition was to compare the openness of a democratic state, using the arrow, to the rigid severity of its authoritarian past, signified by the original building. Every aspect of the building, from its exhibits to the visual components of the building, was created to change public perception of war. You can stand atop the arrowhead and grab a beautiful view of the ever evolving city.

Instead of venerating war, this museum has taken a different approach to exhibiting history. Imagine walking through a museum and learning about the causes and consequences of war as well as the hopes, memories, fears and aspirations of all those involved. One can choose between thematic sections and a chronological tour of the museum. The museum houses numerous artifacts such as military technology, like large equipment, ammunition and scale based replications of vehicles.  There are handguns, old official uniforms and even a surprisingly extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings all themed around war and the military.

This unique museum is one of the more contemporary sights you can visit in Dresden and it’ll really make you think, which is possibly what makes it so enjoyable. There’s a host of treasures for lovers of art and historical memorabilia as well.

The Military History Museum in Dresden was built to throw light on the very notion of war. It seeks to discuss the ideology behind war and bloodshed. Being such an interesting museum it is obvious that tickets for Military History Museum sell very fast. If you would like to adjust your budget then Military History Museum ticket prices are available on our ticketing platform, along with the ability to buy tickets for Military History Museum. You also have the option of adding Military History Museum tickets with other attraction tours to sweeten the deal further. Also, visit the popular attractions in the city by following Dresden itinerary 1 day.

• Check out the collection of military space technology.
• Make sure you check out all 9 categories of exhibits.
• There’s an ‘Animals at War' exhibition with realistic looking stuffed animals which might be a little disturbing for children.

• Groups of 10 or more, per person regular: 4 Euro
• Familiy ticket (two adults with at least one child under 18 years of age): 7 Euro

• Tram lines 3, 7 or 8

• Landleben Potsdam(Mediterranean/€8-20)
• Restaurante Trattoria Alberto(Pizza, Italian/€8-20)
• Griechisches Restaurant KORFU(Greek)

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