Gatow Airfield: an authentic memorial site close to nature.: Berlin-Gatow

An authentic site of aviation history

The Military History Museum at Berlin-Gatow Airfield brings history to life at its original site. Here you can visit Germany’s only aviation museum on a preserved airfield site – a place of remembrance and a protected heritage site. Gatow tells many stories: from secret Nazi rearmament through to the end of the Second World War and the Cold War to German reunification.

From secret rearmament to the end of the war

Before the airfield’s military history began, a nearby area was used by civilian glider pilots. As the Wehrmacht expanded, the fields between Ritterfelddamm and Helleberge came to the attention of the military.

In 1934 and 1935, a large training complex for the Nazi Luftwaffe was built here. This was the site of flight and technical training, where Luftwaffe officers received their general staff training, and where technical research into aerial warfare was conducted. At the end of April 1945, the Red Army captured the site. In early July 1945, as part of the division of Berlin into four sectors, the entire complex was handed over to the British

Nahaufnahme einer orangefarbenen English Electric Canberra mit gläserner Bugkanzel.

A theatre of the Cold War

Until 1994, the Royal Air Force left its mark on this place. When German was divided, the airfield was situated near the border and became an important theatre of the Cold War. East and West kept a watchful eye on one another on and eavesdropped using binoculars, radio interception and reconnaissance flights. Gatow played a particularly significant role in 1948 and 1949, when the airfield became a vital lifeline for supplying the people of West Berlin during the Berlin Blockade and the Berlin Airlift.

From military airfield to museum

With German reunification in 1990 and the withdrawal of Allied troops in 1994, the British presence in Gatow came to an end and the Bundeswehr took over the site. In 1995, the Air Force Museum opened here, originating from a collection amassed over decades at Uetersen (northwest of Hamburg-Appen), which had been taken over by the Bundeswehr in 1987. In 2011, the museum was renamed and became part of the Military History Museum of the Bundeswehr.

Today, the 100-hectare site features not only the 830-metre-long runways, which are still in place, but also nine hangars, a control tower and an airfield fire brigade – silent witnesses to an eventful history that is brought to life here once more.

Viele Menschen auf dem Vorfeld, dazwischen Fahrzeuge, im Hintergrund ein Flugzeug und der Tower.

Zu erkennen sind der Haupteingang, die Luftkriegsschule und dahinter der Flugplatz.

Zwei Helikopter kurz nach dem Start, links das Towergebäude.

Vier britische Soldaten stehen neben einer Anzeigentafel vor einem offenen Hangar.

Ein einmotoriges zweisitziges Flugzeug und ein Hubschrauber fliegen sehr nah beieinander.

Britische Ehrengarde mit dem Kronprinzenpaar auf dem Flugfeld im Regen.

Ein kleines Jagdflugzeug hängt an einem großen Hubschrauber.

Aus der Froschperspektive: Löwenzahnblüten wachsen aus Asphaltrissen, im Hintergrund Hangar 4.

Rich natural environment

The museum is located in an attractive natural and cultural setting. The extensive grounds are also home to a wide range of protected plant and animal species, from skylarks and kestrels to native orchids. Together with the Bundeswehr Service Centre, we are committed to biodiversity protection – through measures such as the mowing of meadows, the creation of bee pastures, and the installation of insect hotels and nesting sites.

Nature conservation and the protection of biodiversity will also play a key role in the upcoming renovation and modernization project, which will include the redesign of the outdoor grounds.

Sounds interesting?

Has the story of our museum sparked your curiosity? Why not come and see it for yourself?

Plan your visit!

Permanent exhibitions

Close-up showing the cockpit and struts of a French Farman III. In the background is a CASA C-2.111B.

Zwischenlandung (‘Stopover’)

100 years of military aviation across eight eras since the pioneers of flight: eyewitness accounts, interactive exhibits and a walk-in bunker.

You can’t miss Gatow

Discover the historic Berlin-Gatow airfield as an authentic site of remembrance: from Nazi rearmament to the Berlin Airlift and the Cold War.

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter fighter jet, mounted on supports in take-off position, against a dark, cloudy sky.

Outdoor exhibition area

Discover a unique collection of Cold War-era aircraft and weapon systems from both East and West.