About IWM London
The Imperial War Museum is a museum in London, England that is dedicated to documenting the history of conflicts involving the British Empire and the Commonwealth from the First World War to the present day. The museum was founded in 1917 and has grown over the years to include five branches across the United Kingdom.
The museum’s main location in London is located in Lambeth, South London, and is home to a collection of military vehicles, aircraft, and other artefacts from conflicts around the world. The museum also has a research library and archives, and it hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year.
In addition to its main location in London, the Imperial War Museum has four other branches in the UK: IWM North in Manchester, IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire, IWM Churchill in Oxfordshire, and HMS Belfast in London. Each of these branches has its own unique exhibits and displays, and they all offer a wide range of educational and public engagement programs.
The Imperial War Museum is a popular tourist attraction in London, and it is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading museums of military history. It is open to the public and admission is free.
Notable exhibits
The Imperial War Museum has a wide range of exhibits and displays that cover the history of conflicts involving the British Empire and the Commonwealth. Some notable exhibits at the museum include:
- First World War Galleries: These galleries contain a range of exhibits and displays related to the First World War, including weapons, uniforms, and other artefacts from the conflict.
- Second World War Galleries: These galleries cover the history of the Second World War and include exhibits on the Blitz, the Battle of Britain, and other major events of the war.
- Holocaust Exhibition: This exhibition explores the history of the Holocaust and the experiences of those who lived through it. It includes a range of artefacts, photographs, and other historical materials.
- The Blitz Experience: This interactive exhibit allows visitors to experience what it was like to live in London during the Blitz, with a replica air raid shelter and other immersive displays.
- The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: This gallery is home to the Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection, a collection of medals and decorations awarded to members of the armed forces for bravery and other achievements.
- The Tank Story: This exhibit tells the story of the development and use of tanks in warfare, with a range of tanks and other military vehicles on display.
There are also a number of temporary exhibitions that are held at the museum on a rotating basis, covering a wide range of topics related to military history.
Food & drink
The Imperial War Museum in London has a café and a restaurant on site for visitors to enjoy. The museum's café, called the Trenchard Café, is located on the ground floor of the museum and offers a range of light meals, sandwiches, cakes, and beverages. The café has indoor and outdoor seating, and it is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm every day.
The museum's restaurant, called the Churchill Dining Room, is located on the first floor of the museum and offers a more formal dining experience. The restaurant serves a range of hot and cold dishes, including soups, sandwiches, and main courses, as well as a selection of desserts and beverages. The Churchill Dining Room is open from 12:00pm to 4:00pm every day.
In addition to the café and restaurant, the Imperial War Museum also has a shop on site where visitors can purchase souvenirs and gifts. The shop sells a range of books, toys, clothing, and other items related to the museum's collection and exhibits.
Length of visit
The length of time it takes to visit the Imperial War Museum in London will depend on the interests of the individual visitor and how much time they have available. Some visitors may choose to spend just a few hours at the museum, while others may want to spend a full day or more exploring all of the exhibits and displays.
The museum has a wide range of exhibits and displays covering a range of conflicts and topics, so there is plenty to see and do. The main museum in London is spread over five floors, and it includes a number of galleries and exhibits on the history of the First and Second World Wars, as well as temporary exhibitions on other topics.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum also has a research library and archives, a café, a restaurant, and a shop on site. There are also a number of events and activities held at the museum throughout the year, such as lectures, workshops, and guided tours.
Overall, it is recommended that visitors allow at least a few hours to explore the museum and see the main exhibits, but those who are interested in military history or who want to spend more time at the museum can easily spend a full day or more exploring all that it has to offer.
Hints & tips
- Plan ahead: Before visiting the museum, it can be helpful to check the museum's website to see what exhibits and events are currently on display. This can help you plan your visit and make sure you see everything you're interested in.
- Allow plenty of time: As mentioned above, the museum has a wide range of exhibits and displays covering a range of topics, so it is recommended that visitors allow at least a few hours to explore the museum.
- Take a break: With so much to see and do at the museum, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Don't hesitate to take breaks and rest when you need to. The museum has a café and a restaurant on-site, as well as a number of seating areas where you can sit down and rest.
- Take advantage of audio guides: The museum offers audio guides that provide more information about the exhibits and displays as you go around. These are available for a small fee, and they can be a great way to get more out of your visit.
- Use public transportation: The Imperial War Museum is located in Lambeth, South London, and it is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest underground station is Elephant & Castle, which is served by the Bakerloo, Northern, and Hammersmith & City lines. The museum is also a short walk from Lambeth North station, which is served by the Bakerloo line.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The museum is spread over five floors, and there is a lot of walking involved in exploring all of the exhibits and displays. It is recommended that visitors wear comfortable shoes to make it easier to get around.
Travel Directions
The Imperial War Museum London is located at Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom. The nearest underground station is Lambeth North, which is on the Bakerloo line. The museum is also a short walk from the Elephant & Castle station, which is on the Bakerloo and Northern lines. Additionally, several bus routes stop near the museum.
To get driving directions to the Imperial War Museum London, you can use a GPS navigation system or a mapping website such as Google Maps. You can input the address "Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom" as your destination. You can also follow the directions below:
- From the M25, exit at Junction 2 and follow the A2 towards London.
- After crossing the Thames, take the exit for the A201 (Elephant & Castle/Kennington).
- Follow the signs for the Elephant & Castle.
- Turn left at the Elephant & Castle roundabout onto the A3201 (Lambeth Road).
- The Imperial War Museum London is on the left, just before the next roundabout.
Please note that traffic and road conditions may vary, so it's a good idea to check for any updates or current road closures before you start your journey.
The Imperial War Museum London has limited on-site parking, however, there are several nearby car parks that visitors can use.
- The Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre Car Park is located at Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR and is open 24 hours a day.
- The Imperial War Museum Car Park is located at Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ, is open 24 hours a day, but it's quite limited and it's first come first serve.
- The Coin Street car park is located at Stamford St, London SE1 9NN, and is open 24 hours a day.
Additionally, there is also street parking available on the surrounding streets, but it is limited and usually requires payment via a parking meter. Be sure to check for any parking restrictions or time limits before leaving your vehicle. It's recommended to check the parking availability and prices before visiting, as they may change. You can also use the parking finder apps such as JustPark, Parkopedia, and ParkMe for more parking options near the Imperial War Museum London.
