MM Park France, located in La Wantzenau, near Strasbourg, is one of Europe’s largest museums dedicated to World War II, spanning over 7,000 square meters. We visited during our Spring Break trip to Strasbourg.
The museum showcases an extensive collection of military artifacts, including more than 120 vehicles, hundreds of uniforms, and a variety of weapons from different nations involved in the war. While we mainly explored the museum, MM Park admission also includes access to additional activities such as a flight simulator, tree climbing, a ball pit, and a shooting range. You can even grab a bite to eat in the cafeteria.
Extensive Collection of Military Uniforms
There’s probably a spectrum of WWII fandom, and I fall somewhere on the “little bit interested” side of the scale. But hey, it was so cool to see all these military uniforms in one place.
The museum groups uniforms from different countries together and also features displays of special-purpose uniforms. I really got a sense of what it must have been like to be in their shoes—after all, I was surrounded by them, each one looking out at me as if I didn’t belong or had somehow stepped in from another time.
Photo above: This display offered a glimpse into Nazi Germany during WWII. It featured a variety of uniforms and timepieces, even a child’s gym uniform.
Photo above: This display gave us a glimpse into the Red Army, featuring a camouflage suit and a women’s uniform.
Photo above: This display showcased a variety of naval uniforms.
Photo above: This display featured WWII-era uniforms and traditional clothing from the Alsace region we were visiting.
Interactive Exhibits at MM Park
The mannequins—of which there are an army—aren’t the only ones immersed in history here. There were plenty of opportunities to experience history firsthand, like my son in the photo below, taking his turn trying out some artillery.
Impressive Hall of WWII Military Vehicles
I’ll admit, I had no idea I was so interested in military vehicles before visiting. But wow—this was such a great experience and learning opportunity for me. I can only imagine what it must be like for someone who walks in already knowing what these machines are—it must be military vehicle heaven!
Getting to Know all the WWII Vehicles on Display
There were so many tanks at this museum! And what’s really cool is how well-preserved and thoughtfully presented they are. They come from eight different countries involved in WWII. While most items are German, France and the United States also make significant contributions to this collection.
I couldn’t include all my photos in this post, but I selected a few to give you an idea of what’s on display. If you want to see more, you’ll have to visit in person!
Note: While there are helpful signs explaining each item, many are only in French.
Photo above: I think this was a British Daimler armored reconnaissance vehicle. I would have asked its operator, but he didn’t seem up for chatting.
Photo above: This German half-track could transport a group of German soldiers. I liked its paint job. But I am including the photo because of the handsome guy posing in front!
Photo above: This is the American Stuart M5. It could hold four people and featured an automatic transmission.
Photo above: This is a Russian T-26 tank, one of the best tanks of the 1930s and a key part of the Red Army until it was replaced by more modern models.
Photo above: This is the American M3 Half-Track, introduced in 1941.
Photo above: The American M24 Chaffee maintained the speed and agility of the M5. The British honored the American general who developed the armored unit by naming it the Chaffee. Look closely—it says “Ally” on the side.
MM Park has a WWII Submarine!
Okay, this was amazing—they even managed to fit part of a WWII submarine inside the museum! And a naval ship, where visitors can climb aboard and join the mannequin crew.
Photo above: We were greeted by WWII-era service members as we approached for a closer look at this submarine, now surfaced inside the museum.
Photo above: This German ship welcomed us aboard, giving us the chance to step onto and touch a piece of WWII history.
Photo above: Sophia gave the ship a spin—or at least the wheel. Fortunately, we didn’t go anywhere… and it wasn’t a time machine.
Photo above: The barracks didn’t look particularly inviting, so we kept moving to see what else the museum had to offer.
So Many Things to See at MM Park
This might be a good time to point out that there really is a LOT to see here—including many things I’ve never seen elsewhere, all under one roof. Actually, there’s even more to explore outside…
We’ll continue with the tour, but there’s far more to see than I could possibly list in this post!
Photo above: This German Borgward half-track truck could haul nine soldiers. I thought it was an interesting-looking vehicle—kind of like an open-top short bus.
Photo above: And it was equipped to handle weapons with these built-in gun racks.
Photo above: This item, displayed in the middle of the path, piqued my curiosity. As I got closer and peeked in the window, I was glad this encounter was happening in a museum.
Photo above: They had a few of these hidden firing positions where soldiers could shoot—like this one, with its barrel aimed right at me.
Photo above: I had to snap a photo of this cute little French guy—a Renault TRC 36 R. He’s almost too adorable to look dangerous.
Photo above: Okay, they even had an American military motorcycle on display—complete with a rifle holster.
Photo Time: Commemorate Your Time Travel at MM Park
We stumbled upon a photo booth that let us travel back in time—on camera, at least. And at no extra cost! Just enter your email, take your photo, and voilà!
It’s a good thing they add their logo and timestamp—otherwise, how would anyone know this wasn’t WWII?
Now That We Saw the Big Guns, Check Out the Rest
Plan to spend plenty of time here so that when you reach this section of the museum, you don’t feel rushed like we did—because it is awesome.
The museum collection is full of fascinating artifacts you can see and read about, including things I had never even thought of before.
Photos: There’s an exhibit on the Secret Sussex Plan—so secret that this was the first I’d heard of it! The British side of the story is still protected by law.
Photos: This area of the museum was better than any spy movie—because it had the real deal. Like enemy sabotage equipment—complete with a manual.
Photo above: This sign on display caught my attention: “You are now entering Germany through the courtesy of the U.S. 6th Armored Division.”
Photo above: Back to the uniforms—I saw concentration camp prisoner uniforms, along with a sign explaining the different emblems and symbols they bore.
Whose Kids are Those, Playing with Guns?
Perched high above the open hall filled with military vehicles, there are rifles set up for visitors to try out. While I wouldn’t want my kids playing with real guns, they had fun with these—and it felt fitting for the day.
Photo above: Whatever Sebastian said to me was probably funny—but not exactly nice.
Photo above: Sophia had a little too much fun—I was just glad it was bolted down, so she didn’t try to take it with us!
Note: Before visiting, it’s advisable to check the museum’s official website for the latest information on opening hours and any special events.
