Please sign in to post.

Would like to visit interesting World War 2 museum - suggestions?

Some people have suggested Arnhem and someone has suggested Overloon. I see that there are a few at Arnhem, which would you recommend? I'm only in the area for 1 day so would like to plan our day, could we visit both areas, or would that be too much? If Arnhem, which museum?

Thanks!

Posted by
33895 posts

Are you looking for museums on battles and the conflict between the Germans and the Allies or are you looking for museums on the survival of the Dutch and the holocaust of the Dutch Jews and others?

Both are available but very different.

Posted by
4088 posts

Here's what Wikitravel has to say about the major war museum in (or near) Arnhem:
"The Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ in Oosterbeek, The Netherlands is a museum dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem, fought in September 1944. During the battle the building was the headquarters of the British forces fighting in and around Oosterbeek and Arnhem. The Museum shows a diverse and extensive collection of original weapons, uniforms and equipment, alongside interviews, pictures and videos about the battle. In addition to this collection, the museum has an award-winning Airborne Experience exhibition, that depicts the area as it appeared during the battle. The museum also describes the German and civilian perspectives of the battle. Take trolly bus nr 1 direction Oosterbeek. [17] Price adult €8 13-18y €5 6-12y €3,5. Not that far from the museum, there is also the Airborne War cemetery. It was established in 1945 and is home to 1759 graves from the Second World War. Several nationalities are buried here (British, Polish, Canadian, Dutch, Australian and New Zealand)."

The lower level of the museum has a new display devoted to experiences of ordinary Dutch residents during the two battles over the bridge. Very touching.
There is also a small museum at one end of the current bridge. I do mean small. The bridge itself is a mundane rebuild with little except memories connecting itself to the famous Bridge Too Far campaign.

Posted by
33895 posts

I'm not thinking of two but several of both kinds, all around the Netherlands, which is why I asked what I did. I didn't realize at the time that you were limiting yourself to Arnhem.

Posted by
33895 posts

I just realised that the last question wasn't from the poster - who has never returned for a dialogue - but from a piggy backer. Perhaps it is best to start a new thread, so that you receive the notifications instead of the original poster, and so that you can elaborate on what you are looking for.

Posted by
9 posts

We went to "The Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ the basement was great, son really enjoyed it. Very interested video on the top floor also.

We also went to a very nice private collection of WW2 artifacts at Arnhem Oorlogsmuseum - worth a visit. Quite small but very interesting.

Posted by
2 posts

I also enjoyed the Airborne Museum near Arnhem. In Amsterdam don't miss the The Resistance Museum (Amsterdams Verzetsmuseum). Lots of interesting information. I'd go back again.