The world’s only running King Tiger has arrived at the Museum, ready to delight thousands of fans at TANKFEST this weekend.
This iconic German Second World War tank is on loan from Musée des Blindés in Saumur, France.
Though only a relatively short trip across the channel, making the journey with a tank weighing 70 tons is not a straightforward task.
This international loan has involved detailed planning between The Tank Museum and Musée des Blindés, facilitated and funded by World of Tanks.
Nik Wyness, The Tank Museum’s Head of Marketing, said:
“We are very pleased to have this rare Second World War tank with us for TANKFEST 2025. This is the first time a running King Tiger has been displayed in the UK, and 24,000 visitors will have the opportunity to see it up close, as well as in the arena.
“Bringing the only running King Tiger tank in the world to the UK for the first time is a significant achievement. We’d like to thank our French colleagues, and event sponsors World of Tanks for making it possible.”
The Tiger II or ‘King Tiger’ is a German WWII tank first used during the Normandy campaign of 1944. Its combination of heavy armour and devastating firepower made it a formidable adversary for Allied forces.
The Musée des Blindés’ vehicle was assembled from parts of different King Tigers captured by the Allies at the end of the Second World War. Its turret and part of its mechanics come from a command vehicle that saw action in Normandy in 1944.
Tickets to TANKFEST 2025 are now sold out, but you can still enjoy the event from the comfort of your home via our YouTube livestream on Sunday 29 June from 1.00pm.
