War and technical creativity often go hand in hand. Much energy and ingenuity were spent on designing strong, mathematically sound fortresses. Then again, out of a desire to destroy them, all sorts of materiel was designed, from battering-ram to mortar and tank.

The collection includes beautifully styled works on fortifications and military architecture from many countries. For example, the Opera mathematica (Mathematical works) by Samuel Marolois with illustrations by Hendrik Hondius and the Architectura militaris moderna (Modern military architecture) by Matthias Dögen from 1647.

A collection of prints belonging to Flavius Vegetius Renatus' famous atlas, published by Chrétien Wechel in 1536, focuses on military inventions. Prints on view include the image of a battering-ram shaped like a lion and of a strange pointed weapon on wheels. The Büchsenmeisterey by Joseph Furttenbach from 1643 is a manual for the handling of gunpowder and guns.

Series of lithographs feature the 19th century artillery. There are photographs of 20th century tanks, bicycles and other materiel.

Go to:

• Dögens Architectvra Militaris Moderna
• Opera Mathematica by Marolois with illustrations by Hondius
• Vegetius' collection of prints, published by Wechel
• Büchsenmeisterey by Furttenbach
• Artillery materiel in the years 1863-1864
• Artillery stills from 1871

Look up:

• Military architecture
• Siege materiel
• Tank, jeep, lorry, bicycle