About the War Heritage Institute
Who are we
Five exceptional museum sites in Belgium and a unique collection of military vehicles, weapons and artefacts dating as far back as the Middle Ages: that is the War Heritage Institute (WHI) in a few words.
Each heritage site contributes to the remembrance of small and large conflicts that took place in Belgium (or abroad), with attention for the men and women who lost their lives in these confrontations.
The WHI’s mission is to spread values such as peace, liberty and democracy, illustrate the struggle for human rights both in the past and today, and safeguard the memory of those who paid the ultimate price to obtain these fundamental assets.
Our sites
- The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History | Discover 12 centuries of military history - from medieval armour to the F-16 fighter plane - through a multitude of uniforms, weapons and heavy machinery, not to mention the 130 flying machines in the Aviation Hall. More info
- Bastogne Barracks | Discover the story of the incredible technical innovations that helped shape history, of the Battle of the Bulge and of mechanised warfare. The various halls showcase a wide range of tracked and wheeled vehicles, artillery pieces and other equipment, from both the Allies and the Axis powers. More info
- The Command Bunker Kemmel | A spectacular remnant of the Cold War. This impressive underground command centre was built in the early 1950s to coordinate the air defence of five countries in Western Europe. In the ‘60s the bunker was turned into the Belgian army’s General Staff HQ. More info
- Fort Breendonk | The National Memorial of Fort Breendonk is one of the best preserved testimonials of the Second World War Nazi atrocities. From the gloomy dormitories and forced labour sites to the torture chamber and the execution ground: the fort exudes the horror the prisoners were subjected to during German occupation. More info
- Trench of Death | The Trench of Death is the last remaining stretch of Belgian First World War trenches. The trenches continue to amaze more than 100 years after the actual facts. It is the perfect setting in which to discover the horrific conditions the soldiers had to endure at the front. More info
Mission statement
Mission
The mission of the War Heritage Institute (WHI) is to promote Belgium’s military heritage, the remembrance of armed conflicts on Belgian soil, and those involving Belgians abroad. This mission involves managing, acquiring, preserving, and restoring collections of objects, documents, and intangible testimonies from the period extending from the Middle Ages to the present day. For this purpose, the WHI manages and oversees a network of exceptional museums and military sites. The WHI thus presents a multi-disciplinary interpretation by situating these sites back into their military, political, technological, economic, social, and cultural contexts. One of its aims is to convey the memory of these armed conflicts by developing creative and stimulating initiatives aimed at various audiences. In addition, it carries out international scientific research into military history and heritage.
Vision
The War Heritage Institute is responsible for the national and international promotion of Belgian military history by highlighting its rich military past and outstanding collections. It is the central pillar of this heritage through the management of the sites placed under its responsibility, but also through close collaboration with renowned independent sites. It thus confirms the geopolitical position of our country: Belgium as battlefield of Europe. The WHI uses modern and creative initiatives to bring democratic values such as human rights to the fore with different audiences. The WHI thus has a leadership role in the organisation of commemorations, which aim to preserve in civil society the memory of the armed conflicts which have marked our history. Its globally-respected scientific research ensures the preservation of our military heritage for future generations.
Values
- Promoting peace, tolerance and democracy; encouraging the respect of human rights; stimulating active citizenship.
- Mobilizing the scientific process in the historical approach to armed conflicts by demonstrating accuracy, respect and objectivity.