Imperial War Museum, London
Dedicated to war and conflict, this is an an extensive and family friendly museum
The Imperial War Museum, London, is housed in the former Bethlem Royal Hospital for the Insane, commonly known as ‘Bedlam’.
What is the Imperial War Museum, London? The world’s leading museum is dedicated to war and conflict, giving voice to the extraordinary experiences of people whose world was torn apart by war.
Military hardware on display includes a captured T-34 World War II Soviet tank.
Top Attractions at the Imperial War Museum, London
1. First World War Galleries
2. Extraordinary Heroes Gallery
3. Peace & Security 1945-2015
4. Tanks
5. Planes
6. Uniforms
7. Holocaust Galleries
8. Garden History Displays
All About the Imperial War Museum, London
KIDS FRIENDLY?
Age 6+
Some exhibits may not be suitable for pre-teens
HOURS
Daily 10 am - 6 pm
LOCATION
Lamberth Road, London SE1 6HZ
WHAT'S THERE
Tanks, planes, uniforms. Themed galleries.
UNDERGROUND
Lamberth North (Bakerloo) seven-minute walk
Elephant & Castle (Bakerloo, Northern) 10-minute walk
BUS
Lamberth Road, Kennington Road, St. George’s Road
Bus Routes 3, 59, 159, 344, and 360
TRAIN
Waterloo, 15minute walk
VISIT TIME
Allow up to three hours
ENTRY COST*
Free
Special exhibitions may attract a fee
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Family activities at certain times during school holidays and some weekends
GUIDED TOURS
Audio guides with editions for adults and children
QUEUE JUMPING
An advance timed ticket can help to avoid queues
WHEELCHAIRS
There is ground-level access and wheelchairs are able to use all of the lifts.
Wheelchairs are available on free loan.
FACILITIES
Toilets on most floors
ADVANCE TICKETS
Although entry is free, advanced booking is available for timed entry
Is It Just a Load of Musty Uniforms?
There are uniforms on display; but musty?
Military aircraft, ground fighting tanks, and plenty more can be found at the museum. Covering the period from the start of World War I to the present day, this is an expensive museum collection and well presented. This produces a close insight into wars and conflicts over the past century.
You’ll discover a re-created WWI trench which is a vivid display of conditions at the front.
The dedicated Holocaust gallery has recently been re-designed following recent research. This area may not be suitable for pre-teens.
In the atrium, you’ll find a Spitfire fighter plane from 1940, which took part in the Battle of Britain. A more modern Harrier ‘Jump-Jet’ can be found in the same area, showing the development of military aircraft.
The museum includes more deadly military hardware, including tanks, artillery, and aircraft through the ages. Look for the Nazi V2 rocket and a one-man submarine.
And yes, there are plenty of uniforms from all of the services.
There are buttons to press and listen to stories of many exhibits. The museum makes a significant effort to be family-friendly. There is a childens edition of the audio guide.
Countess opportunities!
There is a cafe serving pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and snacks.
The gift shop includes books, DVDs, posters, and toys.
Very limited parking for blu badge holders, book on 020 7416 5000.
The West (Park) entrance has step-free access. All lifts have wheelchair access.
Some exhibits are not wheelchair accessible.
How to get to the Imperial War Museum, London
The museum is set in grounds with two entrances. Two underground stations, Waterloo and Elephant & Castle are close by. There is pre-booked parking for blue badge visitors.
* Entry costs are an indication and may change.
Picture credit: Christian Lendel (CC BY 2.0)