The Arnhems Warmuseum 40-45 (Arnhems Oorlogsmuseum 40-45) opened its doors to the public for the first time on May 27, 1994. What started as a personal hobby has now evolved into a unique museum with significance at both local and regional levels. Throughout the world, there are war museums dedicated to collections focused on specific periods or events from the past.
The primary mission of the Arnhem War Museum is to provide a detailed and accurate portrayal of the events that took place in Arnhem and its surrounding areas during the wartime years. This private museum is committed to preserving the memory of this crucial period in history and safeguarding a remarkable collection for the benefit of future generations.
The museum's collection owes its existence in part to individuals who possess unique historical materials. Regularly, we receive donations of such items from individuals who want their contributions to be thoughtfully and respectfully displayed for a broad audience. These generous donations play a vital role in the museum's continued existence and in enhancing our understanding of the wartime years, spanning across generations. As a result, we ensure that the memory of the Second World War is not only safeguarded for the future but also cherished for all time.
It is not uncommon for people to visit our museum or send emails containing photographs of various artifacts from this period. These contributions originate from not only the Netherlands, Germany, or England but also from other nations that played a role in the Second World War.