Imperial War Museum London
About Imperial War Museum London
Discover the story of those who have lived, fought and died in conflict from the First World War to the present day. Learn about the conditions endured by First World War troops in The Trench Experience, explore the role of espionage in The Secret War, and find out about children who lived through evacuation and the Blitz in The Children’s War. Interactive displays and a changing programme of temporary exhibitions make this a fascinating and absorbing day out. The Museum also houses the acclaimed Holocaust Exhibition, and art galleries holding some of the twentieth century’s best known paintings.
Imperial War Museum London is one of five Imperial War Museum branches.
Facilities
| Catering |
On-site café/restaurant |
|---|---|
| Audio commentary in foreign languages |
French audio guide German audio guide Spanish audio guide |
| Tours and demonstrations |
Educational visits accepted |
| Provider facilities |
Audio commentary in foreign languages Conference facilities Toilets |
| Booking and payment details |
Free Groups accepted Solo accepted Maestro accepted |
| Accessibility |
Guide dogs permitted Ramp/level access Toilets for disabled visitors |
Imperial War Museum London Address
| Address: |
Lambeth Road, London
London
SE1 6HZ
|
|---|---|
| Telephone: | +44 (0)20 7416 5000 |
| Fax: | +44 (0)20 7416 5374 |
| Email: | mail@iwm.org.uk |
| Website: | http://london.iwm.org.uk/server/show/nav.47 |
Prices for Imperial War Museum London
Free (admission charges apply for special exhibitions)
Location Information for Imperial War Museum London
| Address: |
Lambeth Road, London
London
SE1 6HZ
|
|---|---|
| Telephone: | +44 (0)20 7416 5000 |
| Fax: | +44 (0)20 7416 5374 |
| Email: | mail@iwm.org.uk |
| Website: | http://london.iwm.org.uk/server/show/nav.47 |
| Public transport: | Tube - Elephant and Castle (Bakerloo or Northern Line), Lambeth North (Bakerloo), Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee or Northern Line). Train Station – Waterloo Bus - 1, 3, 12, 45, 53, 59, 63, 68, 100, 159, 168, 171, 172, 176,188, 344, C10. |
| By Road: | Please follow the signs from the station. |
Getting There
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Latest 5 reviews of Imperial War Museum London
Reasonable - need to have an interest
Bag/coat check in is the best idea and one all venues should have.
Horrible Histories event is really just for the under 12's although it is quite funny for all. Lose the gas "gong" though - most irritating when exuberant kids bass this and drown out the other sounds.
I liked the submarine tour the best although the Trench is very good. Not so sure about The Blitz - rather a long wait for all it is plus we couldn't hear what was going on at the back. Flambards theme park in Cornwall has an infinitely better Britain at War type experience, complete with bombs, burst water pipes etc.
Very educational for schools and would be immensely interesting to anyone with an interest in war but not really my thing.
Always worth a visit
I have been here 3 times in the past couple of years and I will be back again. The first time I came I spent 6 hours here and actually had to rush around the last bit as our coach was leaving. I have been back twice since to see temporary exhibits, Rememberence earlier on in the year and Outbreak and Childrens War this time. The thing I really like about the displays are that they have (for example) a copy of the original typewritten letter declaring war and a couple of cases along there is a simple 2 line handwritten note copied from the blackboard at school by a seven year old boy giving his parents the details of his evacuation the next morning. This mix of nationally important documents and ordinary (not the right word I know) letters and notes from real people really shows the knock on effect that a major decision by government has on the average man (or in this case boy) in the street. It really brings the effects of war home to someone who considers himself lucky never to have had to go through anything like my parents or grandparents went through. I came away with the feeling that the displays have the balance exactly right and that the schoolboys little note is (to me anyway) just as important as any government memo however important it is. These temporary exhibitions aside the rest of the museum is magnificent ant I would recommend anyone visiting London to pay a visit.
gotta love the tanks
I spent an afternoon there and it was very enjoyable. I loved all the different tanks and types of equipment. I liked the permanent trench and blitz exhibits. I was a little disappointed with the "Terrible Trenches", it looked to be a lot of fun for kids but a little dull for me. It was a good day and well worth the trip out there.
Very very interesting
Me and my boyfriend visited this museum as it was free. We spent two hours here and it wasn't enough time for everything! Very very interesting museum, would def come back here again and spend more time here. I think any age would enjoy this museum ( Me and my boyfriend are 22) as there is loads to look at on about 4/5 different floors.
There is also a little cafe if needing a break, but be warned, it is very pricey.
Keeping history alive
Our 13 year old Grandson loves World War II history. He reads about it, watches movies about it, studies it, and talks about it--to anyone that will listen. The War in Europe, expecially the D Day Invasion has expecially captured his interest. Visiting the Imperial War Museum was such a wonderful experience, seeing close up the machines that fought in the epic battles, to actually touch them was the thrill of a lifetime.
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Events at Imperial War Museum London
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Outbreak 1939
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The Art Galleries
ExhibitionRecurring event
The two suites of galleries on the second floor are used for long-term exhibitions of First and Second World War works of art from the Museum's collection. The displays are changed at regular intervals.
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Art Gallery Talks
ExhibitionRecurring event
This is an Introductions to the First and/or Second World War art collection tailored to the needs of specific age groups and abilities.
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Blitz Experience
Special event21 Sep 2009 to 11 Dec 2009
This is an actor-interpreter in the role of an air raid warden takes children back in time to 1940 and the Blitz. Sessions include a general briefing and an escorted visit to the Blitz Experience complete with sound, smells and other special effects.
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