Bronbeek was built early in the 19th century. In 1845 William III of the Netherlands bought it. He donated it to the Dutch state in 1859. William wanted it to be a home for disabled KNIL soldiers. The inhabitants took their collections of 'souvenirs' with them. This turned into a museum about the Dutch East Indies.
In 2004, 50 former soldiers had their home in Bronbeek.
