This museum is considered to be within the boundaries of Berlin, but it is not located in an urbanized area. Rightly so, considering it is a closed airport, Gatow. It is well-inventoried with aircraft on display from both World Wars and most interestingly to me, the Cold War. Americans who are aircraft aficionados will love this place! Most of the aircraft are lined up wingtip-to-wingtip outside on the grass along the taxiways. Many, if not most of the aircraft have deteriorated from the effects of weather and sun. However, the lineup is amazing fodder for your camera and your mind, as so many of the aircraft on display have been seen by Americans only in pictures. And now, in front of you, are the real things, dozens and dozens of them, albeit a little weather-beaten. Perhaps the most compelling outside display is the American Lockheed F-104G, its landing gear extended and supported by pedestals at a 45 degree angle, aimed skyward, ready to be propelled by a RATO unit attached to the aft fuselage. Mounted on the centerline pylon is a (simulated) nuclear weapon. This presentation is without doubt authentic and very well-executed, the Starfighter's finish having been kept in good condition. It is a cogent reminder of how close the East and West were to a nuclear confrontation. Such is the immeasurable value of museums as this one. The outside displays are located across the tarmac from three massive hangars containing even more valuable aircraft and numerous multi-media/multi-language displays and stations. This clueless Yelper searched in vain for the American flag to switch on his native language. Well, duh, the English language is represented by the flag of England. The presentations were highly interesting, and of course, skewed toward aviation, European history and war. The three hangars correspond to the two World Wars and the Cold War. The interior walls are lined with cases filled with militaria, graphs, photos and far too many interesting subjects to list. One case was particularly memorable, showing the evolution of Luftwaffe uniforms over the years, including both officer and enlisted garb. The rare and/or valuable aircraft displayed within include the Komet rocket plane, an Me-262 (trainer version), bits and pieces of V-2 rockets and an entire V-1. The display of an immaculately prepared MiG-29 was breathtaking, being such a beautiful design. So many other aircraft and vehicles on display will command your attention, as well. This review will best be appreciated by aviation enthusiasts and historians, and it does not do justice to this sprawling, densely inventoried, well-organized museum. It is a must-see for those interested in the subjects presented. Plan on spending the entire day here, and perhaps two, if your itinerary permits. The gift shop is the only major disappointment. It is one level above nonexistent. Too bad, since it could be an important source of revenue. There is no charge for museum admission. read more

VERY easy to reach by bus from Rathouse Spandau train stn. In fact, everything is easy to reach in this city. 1) No admission fee 2) As an American, many of the artifacts large and small are new to me, I've been to the Air/Space in D.C. and the Air Force M in Dayton, OH 3) A display of the Reichsmarshall uniform of Herman Goring 4) Those aircraft parked out on the runway are in very good condition 4) A number of displays covering the Nike, Pershing , Hawk and Roland programs. read more

Militärhistorisches Museum - Lockheed F-104 G Zell, Rocktdyne booster, 1963 - Museums Near Me - Berlin, BE

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This museum lies south of Spandau, It is in the boundaries of Berlin but it does not feel like it. After arriving on the bus from Spandau you walk down a wide road with new houses and School buildings on either side, it looks as though you are walking towards nothing, until you come to the end of the road and it becomes clear where you need to go. The museum itself is an interesting mix of Aircraft and Military weapons and vehicles from the first and second world wars and also the cold war (from East and West). There is much to see and read, about the aircraft and equipment throughout, both outside and inside several Hangars and other buildings. Well worth a visit. Without being too political, I was struck by the vast amounts of research, materials, manpower and money, that went into creating this massive collection of killing machines, and this was only, of course, the tip of the iceberg. read more

This museum is located on what was previously Gatow Airport. Much of it is open-air with planes from both WWI and WWII. It was too big to see all of it at one time so I need to go back and see the part devoted to the Bundeswehr Luftwaffe. I was disappointed that there weren't any exhibits on some of the famous aces from WWII such as Erich Hartmann, Johannes Steinhoff, Adolf Galland and others. Admission is free, but it is well-worth a donation to help preserve these old planes and other equipment. If you like historic military aircraft, you will like this museum. read more