Amongst the Royal Military Museum treasures hides a collection the public is hardly aware of: the honorary distinctions. The collection is characterized by a great diversity, as medals come from all countries and date back to all periods; distinctions are presented to all categories of people for all kinds of reasons.

One of the largest ensembles in this context dates back to the Napoleonic era: the Brouwet collection.

Gifts and acquisitions

Distinctions are often donated to the Museum, but the institution also buys items in order to complete the collection in a considered manner.

Did you know that the science studying honorary distinctions is called phaleristics? The word comes from the Greek “ta phalara”, a small metal embellishment worn on the helmet, the cuirass or the horse.