The Top 9 Famous Museums To Explore For Art And History

These unique tank museums play a vital role in preserving military history, showcasing the evolution of armoured vehicles through various conflicts. They house extensive collections of tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and artillery from different wars. Enthusiasts and military researchers visit to explore these engineering marvels up close. From World War I relics to modern battle tanks, the museums offer an informative experience, including exhibits, restored vehicles in action, live demonstrations, and parades held on special occasions.

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Top 9 Tank Museums To Visit In The World

Explore the world’s most renowned tank museums showcasing historic armoured vehicles and wartime artefacts:

1. The Tank Museum, Bovington, UK

Museum building with a tall observation tower and a tank displayed near the entrance.

Photo: Bill Nicholls / Wikimedia Commons

Located in Dorset, England, The Tank Museum is the world’s first and most prestigious, featuring over 300 armoured vehicles spanning a century of warfare. Its star exhibit is Tiger 131, the last operational German Tiger I tank from World War II. Other notable displays include Little Willie, the world’s first tank, and the Cold War-era Challenger 1. The museum also hosts Tankfest, an annual event showcasing historic tanks in live-action demonstrations, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: £16 / ₹ 1,680 for adults; £9.50 / ₹ 1,000 for children

2. Musée des Blindés, Saumur, France

A tranquil tank resting by the serene lush green trees under the clear blue sky.

Photo: Alf van Beem / Wikimedia Commons

The Musée des Blindés / Museum of Armoured Vehicles, in Saumur is one of the largest tank museums in the world, boasting over 800 armoured vehicles from different periods. It showcases rare World War II tanks such as the King Tiger, Panther, and Char B1, alongside modern French tanks like the AMX-50. The museum provides an in-depth look at French tank development and even houses prototype and experimental tanks that never saw battle.

Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: €10 / ₹ 900 for adults; €6 / ₹ 540 for children

3. Kubinka Tank Museum, Russia

A rustic tank set against a stunning desert mountain backdrop amidst clear weather

Photo: MBH / Wikimedia Commons

Located near Moscow, the Kubinka Tank Museum is renowned for its extensive collection of Soviet and captured German tanks from World War II and beyond. Its most famous exhibit is the Panzer VIII Maus, the world’s heaviest tank, weighing 188 tons. The museum also features rare Soviet prototypes, including the futuristic Object 279, designed to withstand nuclear blasts. Unlike many other museums, Kubinka also has experimental armoured vehicles that were never used in actual combat.

Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: 400 RUB / ₹ 360 for adults; 150 RUB / ₹ 135 for children

4. Deutsches Panzermuseum, Munster, Germany

Military armored vehicles displayed indoors at a museum, with information plaques

Photo: Ralf Raths / Wikimedia Commons

The Deutsches Panzermuseum in Munster provides an in-depth history of German warfare, featuring over 150 tanks from World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. Some of its most famous exhibits include the Tiger II, Panther, and Leopard tanks. The museum places a strong emphasis on education, explaining the role of German tanks in different conflicts. It also has a large collection of German military uniforms and weaponry, making it a great place to learn about Germany’s wartime history.

Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: €8.50 / ₹ 765 for adults; €4 / ₹ 360 for children

5. American Heritage Museum, Massachusetts, USA

Firing pit and carriage base of FlaK gun in a fighting position on display at the AHM

Photo: Joshbaumgartner / Wikimedia Commons

This state-of-the-art tank museum offers a unique look at American and Allied warfare. It has a collection of historically significant tanks, including the M4 Sherman, T-34, and a rare Panther tank from World War II. The museum is highly interactive, with simulation experiences that allow visitors to feel what it’s like inside a tank. A highlight is the tank-driving experience, where visitors can operate real tanks under expert supervision, making it an unparalleled hands-on experience for military history lovers.

Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee:$20 / ₹ 1,660 for adults; $10 / ₹ 830 for children

6. The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum, Cairns, Australia

A vast collection of solid and amazing tanks at the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum

Photo: Kerry Raymond / Wikimedia Commons

The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum is the biggest in its category in the Southern Hemisphere. It has over 150 modern World War I items, including artillery and armoured vehicles. The collection is vast and includes the German Panzer IV, British Centurion, and American M3 Stuart. Visitors can truly immerse themselves in this experience as the museum features a live firing range where guests are permitted to fire historical weapons and even take a ride-along in a real tank.

Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: AUD 25 / ₹ 1,350 for adults; AUD 15 / ₹ 810 for children

7. Israeli Armoured Corps Museum, Latrun, Israel

A showcase of Israel’s powerful armoured history at one of the most famous museum

Photo: ד”ר אבישי טייכר / Wikimedia Commons

Also known as Yad La-Shiryon, this museum is the official museum of Israel’s armoured forces. It has one of the most diverse collections in the world, including captured enemy tanks from Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, as well as Israeli-developed Merkava tanks. The museum is housed in a British-built fortress from the 1940s, adding to its historical significance. A unique feature is the tank tower monument, where old tanks have been stacked to create a striking visual tribute to armoured warfare.

Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: NIS 30 / ₹ 680 for adults; NIS 15 / ₹ 340 for children

8. The U.S. Army Armour & Cavalry Collection, Fort Benning, USA

A remarkable collection of heavy and amazing U.S. Army tanks in Fort Benning, USA

Photo: BlakeRichard00 / Wikimedia Commons

In the United States, the U.S. Army Armour & Cavalry Collection is recognized for having one of the largest collections of military vehicles that comes with an astounding count of over 240 tanks and armoured vehicles on display. This collection documents the remarkable American armoured warfare evolution with legendary tanks, such as the M4 Sherman and M1 Abrams, as well as the German Panther. To aid in the imagination of the public, the collection comes with experimental and prototype vehicles that allow for a glimpse into military development and engineering.

Timings: Open for special tours by appointment
Entry Fee: Free

9. Kubinka Tank Museum, Moscow, Russia

One of the most popular Kubinka Tank Museum showcasing a collection of Western vehicles

Photo: MBH / Wikimedia Commons

The Kubinka Tank Museum is one of the largest tank museums in the world, featuring an extensive collection of over 350 tanks and armoured vehicles, many of which are rare or classified prototypes. It is home to some of the most famous tanks in history, including the German Maus which is the heaviest tank ever built, the Soviet T-35, and experimental Cold War designs. The museum provides an in-depth look at Soviet and foreign warfare history, making it a must-visit for military enthusiasts.

Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: 500 RUB / ₹ 450 for adults; 300 RUB / ₹ 270 for children

Tank museums offer a fascinating insight into the evolution of armoured warfare, displaying rare and historic vehicles that shaped military history. From Kubinka’s vast collection to live demos at Musée des Blindés or tank rides at Australia’s Armour & Artillery Museum, each promises a unique experience. Ideal for history buffs and families alike – plan your adventure with TripXL today!

Cover Photo: Chris Light / Wikimedia Commons

A Guide To The 9 Best Tank Museums: Step Into Armoured History