War, occupation, liberation: Permanent exhibition
On May 9, 2019, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, site of the War Heritage Institute, will open the doors of its brand new permanent exhibition on Belgium and the Second World War. With more than 1,000 collection items spread over almost 1,500 m², the new exhibition provides an overview of the most charged period in Belgian history.
The new exhibition is the long-awaited and innovative conclusion to the existing museum display on the Second World War, which had been installed in the Army Museum for several years and has also been refreshed in recent months. From May 9, in the majestic Bordiau Hall, visitors will be presented with a complete overview of war history in Belgium (and Europe) between 1919 and 1945 (2000 collection items on 3000 m²).
The new exhibition tells the story of the occupation and liberation of the country (1940-1944), the end of the war in Europe and Asia (1944-1945) and also focuses on National Socialist repression, persecution and genocidal policies ( 1933-1945). The exhibition goes far beyond the lines of traditional military history and pays ample attention to the social, political, economic… and human consequences of the war. It is a nuanced, historical-scientific story in which the options, possibilities and choices in wartime form the common thread throughout the course. There are no taboos: Belgian politics, the role of the king, the resistance, collaboration, the persecution of Jews, repression, etc. are examined and framed within the broader (European) war context.
The twelve new exhibition rooms are gems of total scenography. Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, display cabinets... are perfectly coordinated and create the necessary peace and space on the course. Spectacular multimedia applications complete the design. In the tradition of the Royal Military Museum, the unique collection items remain central: their history and relevance are explained and placed within the broader story of the exhibition.
War Heritage Institute/Army Museum
Cinquantenaire Park 3
1000 Brussels
www.legermuseum.be
02/737 78 33
Info and reservation: reservatie@whi.be
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