[1] It is based in the former Koninklijk Weeshuis in Buren, originally opened as an orphanage on 26 May 1612 by Maria van Nassau and remaining in that role until 1953.

It and four other major Dutch military museums are overseen by the Koninklijke Stichting Defensiemusea.

It was then moved to the Koninklijke Stallen (Royal Stables) in The Hague (1957-1959) and then to the top floor of the Marechausseebrigade buildings at 12 Westersingel in Rotterdam (19 March 1959 – 10 April 1972).

It has been in its present home since 10 April 1972, rented from its owners on the condition that part of the displays still told the history of the orphanage.

A nearby former municipal sports hall was purchased in 2000 and opened on 12 April 2003 as a vehicles display space.