20th and 21st Centuries Room
In this room, visitors can view models and artifacts from the period spanning from World War I to more recent conflicts such as the Korean War (1950–1953) and the Vietnam War (1955–1975).
The tour begins with a diorama depicting the Battle of Cantigny, fought on May 28, 1918, which is considered both a major battle and the first American offensive. In the display case on the left as you enter the room, there is a diorama depicting the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, as well as other figures of German soldiers typical of the era. Two vintage beer bottles featuring propaganda images of two flying aces, including the famous Red Baron (Manfred von Richthofen).
On the right, we can see the authentic uniform of the grandfather of the museum’s current director, who fought in World War I at the Battle of Verdun, one of the most decisive battles of that conflict.
The exhibition continues with dioramas depicting World War II on its various European and Asian fronts. One of these depicts the Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history, in which Nazi Germany was defeated by the Soviet Union in what marked the beginning of its end in 1943.
Further on, an interesting diorama shows us the Glen Miller Orchestra entertaining soldiers in England before they headed to the front. Finally, a comprehensive collection of tanks and armored vehicles from various countries gives us an idea of how they evolved.
