About National Army Museum
The National Army Museum (NAM) is a museum in London, England that tells the story of the British Army and its impact on society and the world. It is located in Chelsea and is open to the public. The museum was founded in 1960 and has a collection of over 300,000 objects, including weapons, uniforms, medals, and other military artifacts. The museum is home to several notable exhibits, including the Wellington Gallery, which features a collection of items belonging to the Duke of Wellington, and the Gallipoli Gallery, which tells the story of the Gallipoli campaign during World War I. The NAM also has a number of interactive exhibits, including a virtual reality trench experience and a reconstruction of a WWI trench. The museum is a popular destination for school groups and military history enthusiasts.
Notable exhibits
- The Wellington Gallery: This exhibit features a collection of items belonging to the Duke of Wellington, including his famous Waterloo despatch, his boots, and his sword.
- The Gallipoli Gallery: This exhibit tells the story of the Gallipoli campaign during World War I, including the experiences of the soldiers who fought there and the significance of the campaign.
- The Military Medicine Gallery: This exhibit explores the history of military medicine and the role it has played in the British Army. It includes a range of medical equipment and personal stories of soldiers who have been treated by military doctors.
- The Virtual Reality Trench Experience: This interactive exhibit allows visitors to experience what it was like to be in a WWI trench, complete with the sounds and smells of the battlefield.
- The Afghanistan and Iraq Gallery: This exhibit tells the story of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, including the experiences of soldiers who served in these conflicts.
- The Soldiers' Stories Gallery: This exhibit features personal stories and objects from soldiers who have served in the British Army, from the Napoleonic Wars to the present day.
Food & drink
The National Army Museum has a cafe on site that serves a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, salads, and snacks. The cafe is open to the public and is a good place to take a break during a visit to the museum. The cafe also has a small outdoor seating area that is open during the warmer months. In addition to the cafe, the museum also has a shop that sells a range of gifts and souvenirs, including books, clothing, and other military-themed items. The shop is also a good place to find refreshments, as it sells a selection of drinks and snacks.
Length of visit
The length of a visit to the National Army Museum will depend on your interests and how much time you want to spend exploring the museum. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week, and last admission is at 4:30 pm. On average, visitors to the museum spend between two and three hours exploring the exhibits and learning about the history of the British Army. However, you can easily spend longer at the museum if you want to take your time and explore everything in detail, or if you want to participate in one of the museum's educational programs or events. It is recommended to allow at least two hours for a visit to the museum, but you can stay for as long as you wish.
Hints & tips
- Plan your visit: It's a good idea to check the museum's website before your visit to see what events and activities are happening on the day you plan to go. This will help you to make the most of your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The museum has a lot of exhibits to explore, so it's a good idea to wear comfortable shoes so that you can walk around easily.
- Bring a bottle of water: The museum has a cafe on site, but it's a good idea to bring a bottle of water with you, especially if you plan to spend a long time exploring the exhibits.
- Take breaks: The museum is full of interesting exhibits, but it's a good idea to take breaks and rest your feet if you need to. The cafe is a good place to take a break and grab a drink or snack.
- Use the audio guide: The museum offers an audio guide service that provides more information about the exhibits and the history of the British Army. It's a good way to learn more about the museum and make the most of your visit.
- Ask questions: If you have any questions about the exhibits or the history of the British Army, don't be afraid to ask the museum staff or volunteers. They are there to help and are happy to answer any questions you might have.
