The airfield was originally constructed in 1935 as a flight training school for the Luftwaffe.
Following World War II, the airfield was occupied by the Royal Air Force until 1994.
The runway remains largely intact, offering a clear view of the historic flight path used during the Berlin Airlift.
The collection includes rare examples of Warsaw Pact aircraft that were integrated into the German military post-reunification.
The museum serves as an architectural monument to both Nazi-era military planning and Cold War infrastructure.
It is one of the few places in Germany where visitors can stand on an operational-era Cold War runway.
The Military History Museum Berlin-Gatow is located on the site of a former German Air Force base, focusing on the history of military aviation in Germany. The collection includes over 60 aircraft, missiles, and radar systems housed in historic hangars and an expansive outdoor display area. It covers the evolution of air power from the early 20th century through the Cold War and the reunification of Germany. The museum grounds include the original runway and control tower of the former RAF Gatow airfield, which served as a vital hub during the 1948-1949 Berlin Airlift. Exhibits detail the role of the Luftwaffe, the GDR's Air Force, and the Bundeswehr. It functions as a specialized branch of the Dresden-based Military History Museum of the Bundeswehr.
The central tarmac, where multiple vintage fighter jets are arranged with the historic control tower in the background.
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing as the majority of the collection is spread across an outdoor tarmac.
Bring binoculars for viewing the higher-mounted exhibits and the full length of the runway.
Allow extra time for the walk between the hangars and the outdoor aircraft collection.
Attempting to explore the restricted, non-museum zones of the former military base.
Closed on Mondays.
