The Imperial War Museum London

There are numerous Imperial War museums scattered all over the UK, but we are just focusing on the London based museum in this article.

In 1917, after the First World War, it was decided by the Cabinet that a museum should be set up to collect and display memorabilia from the Great War. In 1920 the museum was official opened, a board of trustees were appointed and was given the name of the Imperial War Museum.

Before Second World War the museum was housed in two adjacent galleries in South Kensington, this was not ideal and in 1936 the Duke of York reopened the museum in its current Lambeth home. During WW2 the museum was closed and numerous objects were evacuated outside London. After WW2 items were added to the collection and in 1953 the Museum's terms of reference were extended to include all military operations with Britain and the Commonwealth had been involved with since 1914.

Permanent Galleries at the museum include the following;

The Large Exhibits Gallery that includes large weapons and vehicles in its collection.

First World War and Second World War Galleries which both include posters and memorabilia as well carefully constructed reconstructions including The Trench and the The Blitz Experience.

Conflicts Since 1945 takes a look at advances in technology and new organisation such as NATO.

The Holocaust Experience tells the story of the persecution of the Jewish community in Nazi Germany through photographs, newspapers and artefacts.

'Crimes against humanity: an exploration of genocide and ethnic violence' is a 30 minute film which examines the theme of genocide and is the centrepiece of the Crimes Against Humanity exhibition.

The Secret War goes undercover in the world of spies and espionage and takes a look at the development of M15 and M16.

The Art Galleries display First and Second World War artwork from the Museum's collection.

The Victoria Cross and George Cross Gallery houses the museums collection of these awards.

Monty; Master of the Battlefield marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein and documents the life and military career of Field Marshall Montgomery.

The Imperial War Museum does house temporary exhibitions in addition to its more permanent displays; you can find out more about these in our Exhibitions section.

The Museum is open daily from 10am till 6pm excepting Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Find out more about the Imperial War Museum.

How to get there

The Imperial War Museum is located in Lambeth, the closest tube stations are at Lambeth North and Waterloo. If travelling by bus the 1, 3, 12, 45, 53, 63, 68, 159, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 344 and C10 all serve the area.