Imperial War Museums helps visitors understand the British wartime experience by documenting the country's roles in World Wars I and II. Originally established in 1917 to memorialize British sacrifice in World War I, the museum expanded to record an even greater sacrifice a little over two decades later. Throughout the complex, you can view documents such as official orders, letters, diaries, and memoirs, as well as artwork including paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Listen to some of the 33,000 oral-history recordings and view over 350 vehicles and aircraft on display. World War I gallery exhibits a recreated trench. If the weather's agreeable, eat in the cafe, which opens out onto the Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park. Our London trip planning site makes visiting Imperial War Museums and other London attractions simple, and helps you make a travel plan personal to you.
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Imperial War Museums reviews
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Visiting a war museum in peaceful times may not have the same effect unless there is a conflict going on but my interest in aviation/plane spotting and history still led me there many times. Just... more »
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We walked to the Imperial War Museum from our hotel at Waterloo. The World War 1 exhibit was very good. We don't typically enjoy museums, but this was a good one. more »
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Some really attractive and creative displays telling the heroic and gruesome tales of Britain at war. I find it inspiring that so many ordinary people were willing to make such immense sacrifices to defend their country. A highlight was being able to ask questions and listen to 95 year old veteran and an evacuee speak of their wartime experiences. Some really attractive and creative displays telling the heroic and gruesome tales of Britain at war. I find it inspiring that so many ordinary people were willing to make such immense sacrifices to defend their country. A highlight was being able to ask questions and listen to 95 year old veteran and an evacuee speak of their wartime experiences.
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One of the many free to enter museums in London and well worth a trip south of the Thames. The nearest Underground is Lambeth North turn left out of the station and cross over the road. The displays are on several levels the main multi-storey atrium has a V2, V1, Spitfire and a modern Harrier fighter hanging in space. The galleries around hold separate displays - just in front of the Sherman is a 6 minute film voiced over by D Day landings of the Brits coming ashore in Normandy - educational and we can salute their bravery.
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