Imperial War Museum London and its collection

Imperial War Museum London
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The Imperial War Museum London was founded in 1917 to show the impact war had on Britain and to show the progress in war-related technology the humanity has created. It tells the stories of people’s experiences of modern war and conflict. The museum has both temporary and permanent exhibitions. Themes covered in the permanent exhibition include the Holocaust, the work of Britain's Special Forces, espionage and how ordinary families lived during wartime. Its collections include archives of personal and official documents, photographs, film and video material, recordings, an art collection, military vehicles and aircraft and equipment.

ENIWM London

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology War Aviation Film Photography

Imperial War Museum London
Lambeth Road
SE1 6HZ London

Visitor information Imperial War Museum London

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 18:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 18:00
Thursday
10:00 – 18:00
Friday
10:00 – 18:00
Saturday
10:00 – 18:00
Sunday
10:00 – 18:00

Admission

Can be a member or make donations. Please check the website for more details.

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop
Coffee
Restaurant

Location & Map

Lambeth Road, London

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Imperial War Museum London Reviews

Imperial War Museum London has 2 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Imperial War Museum London offers a comprehensive and sobering look at modern warfare and its impact on society. Located in Southwark, this museum houses an extensive collection of military vehicles, weapons, and artifacts from various conflicts, with a particular focus on the First and Second World Wars.

    Visitors often praise the museum's thoughtful and immersive exhibits, which provide context and personal stories alongside historical artifacts. The Holocaust Exhibition is frequently mentioned as a powerful and moving experience, offering a stark reminder of the atrocities of war. The First World War galleries are also highly regarded, providing an in-depth look at the conflict through interactive displays and personal accounts.

    The museum's layout is generally well-organized, allowing for a chronological journey through modern warfare. Many visitors appreciate the free admission, which allows for multiple visits to fully explore the vast collection. The museum also receives positive feedback for its efforts to engage younger visitors through interactive elements and family-oriented activities.

    However, some visitors note that the sheer amount of information can be overwhelming, potentially requiring multiple visits to fully appreciate. A few reviewers mention that certain areas can become crowded during peak times, which may impact the viewing experience. Additionally, while most find the content informative and respectful, some visitors with young children caution that certain exhibits may be too intense or graphic for younger audiences.

    Despite these minor drawbacks, the Imperial War Museum London is generally regarded as an educational and thought-provoking institution. It successfully balances historical accuracy with engaging presentations, offering visitors a deep understanding of the complexities and consequences of war.

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  • E
    Elizabeth • 29 Aug 2020

    I took 2 of my grandsons to the museum on 19 August......I had visited the museum many times with my own children who really loved their visits. It was hands on and we all have great memories of our visits. My son is now a major in the Army and before I took my grandsons aged 4 and 6 he did remark that i would find it very different. Indeed I did I found it totally un-child friendly, I heard a member of staff shout at some small boys who had the temerity to touch one of the vehicles on display (although there was no do not touch notice on it). There was nothing interactive and very little on for example the Burma campaign of the second world war. I have taken grandchildren to the army museums in London and Aldershot and to the D Day museums which were wonderful with helpful friendly staff and lots of interactive things to do. I would not advise anyone to visit this museum and we had a very disappointing day.

    Visited on 19 Aug 2020

  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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