Visiting MM Park in La Wantzenau: my review of the World War II museum

My review of MM Park

What you’ll see at MM Park: uniforms, weapons and prisoner costumes

MM Park opened its doors in 2017 in La Wantzenau, built from the private collection of an enthusiast. Éric Kauffmann has been traveling the world for the past thirty years and has amassed an impressive collection of objects, vehicles and costumes from the Second World War. Across the 7,000 m² of a former printing house, the museum now displays more than 400 uniformed mannequins and over 120 vehicles, 60% of which are still in running condition!

The visit begins with a large display case of Second World War weapons. The most remarkable is probably the English De Lisle carbine, of which only 129 were ever produced. The exhibition then continues with the costumes, whose variety is remarkable:

• 🪖 the uniforms you’d usually expect: Nazi, American and British
• 🚩 but also Soviet, Italian and even Bulgarian outfits

The owner maintains a special connection with Bulgaria, and the room dedicated to it was inaugurated by King Simeon II himself. Visitors can then step into a tobruk, the typical German defensive turret, or climb onto a cannon.

Finally, the museum presents a display case with prisoner and deportee costumes. It was produced in collaboration with the European Center of Deported Resistance Fighters of Struthof.

ℹ️ Please note: the collections open at 9 AM, while the play area and bar don’t open until 10 AM or 11 AM depending on the day. If you’re visiting with children, start with the exhibition rooms and finish with the games.

Tanks, military vehicles and a Kriegsmarine launch

The visit continues in the huge hall housing the military vehicles. Here too, the collection is impressive and includes some remarkable relics:

• 💥 the small Springer demolition tank, right at the entrance, of which only two examples remain in the world
• 🛡️ the imposing 45-ton Russian ISU-152 tank, recognizable by the red-painted tip of its barrel
• 🎬 the famous “Souffleur II”, which Jean Gabin served on with the 2nd Armored Division

The latter is reminiscent of the Char Zimmer, on display at Port du Rhin, which took part alongside it in the liberation of Strasbourg. Some tanks are cut open or kept in their original, unrestored state: a way to appreciate the thickness of the armor plating or the design of the machines.

MM Park even manages the feat of having a Kriegsmarine launch moored in a basin created especially for it, inspired by the submarine bases of the Atlantic Wall. You can then climb into an observation turret. Back in the lobby, you can hop into a Jeep and watch a historical film.

The Plan Sussex collection: Second World War spy artifacts

Upstairs at MM Park, a room is dedicated to Plan Sussex, the major infiltration operation devised by General Eisenhower’s staff on French soil. The collection belongs to Dominique Soulier, whose father was a British intelligence agent in this high-risk operation.

Here you’ll find James Bond-worthy objects such as a small pen gun, a signet ring with a hidden cyanide pill compartment, and a communications encryption station. Kids can try out a little game here to get a feel for the world of Second World War espionage.

The rest of the floor still displays costumes. This will appeal more to enthusiasts or collectors than to the average visitor. There is, however, access to a platform with a bird’s-eye view over the vehicle collection.

💡 Local tip: if you’re short on time, head straight to the Plan Sussex room and the platform overlooking the vehicles. The rest of the floor will mainly appeal to enthusiasts.

With children: play area, flight simulator and obstacle course

Back downstairs, a turnstile gives access to the play area. This is really the unusual and original part of this museum, which can also be debated. Several attractions are offered to children:

• 🪂 jumping from a plane to reach, via zipline, an “obstacle course” that’s actually a kind of indoor treetop adventure course
• 🎯 practicing precision shooting
• ✈️ stepping into a pilot’s shoes in a flight simulator: the experience is quite impressive, as the machine reproduces every movement. Watch out for the loop-the-loops that will leave you upside down!

The attractions are included in the admission ticket. The play area also hosts birthday parties and features a bar with light meals (hamburgers, fries, hot dogs, waffles…). A good spot to grab a coffee while the kids have fun. Or discover this period of history while having fun? That’s how I like to see it.

💡 Local tip: the play area is very popular on Wednesday afternoons and during school holidays, so avoid these times if you’d rather skip the wait.

Key takeaways about MM Park

• 🪖 Who it’s for: military history enthusiasts and families.
• ⭐ The highlight: a collection of over 120 vehicles and a museum where you can touch the exhibits.
• ⚠️ The downside: few explanations, and access that often requires a car.
• 💶 The budget: a single ticket covers both the collections and the attractions.
• 📅 When to visit: every day, avoiding Wednesday afternoons and school holidays for the play area.

Looking to extend your visit with other sites of remembrance? Discover the Alsace-Moselle Memorial in Schirmeck or the former Struthof camp.

Frequently asked questions before visiting MM Park