Formerly known as the Central Museum of the Armed Forces, it was installed in 1978, in a precarious situation with its degraded museum elements.
It is currently in good condition, with the collection recovered.
Today, at the Museum, military assets are on display, including vehicles belonging to the three Angolan political parties (MPLA, FLNA AND UNITA) used in the conflict.
The Fortaleza de S. Miguel currently serves as a cultural monument in Angola, located in the district of Ingombota, municipality of Luanda. Officials say that the collection deserves praise from those who visit the Museum, especially foreigners interested in the history of Angola, and mention that nationals praise their heroes.
Founded in 1575, when Paulo Dias de Novais disembarked in Luanda, as governor, the Fortaleza de S. Miguel was also subject to restoration work.
On November 10, 1975, Portuguese soldiers from the three branches of the armed forces paid their military honors at the last lowering of the Portuguese flag in the then-called Ultramarine province of Angola.