Imperial War Museum

What's On

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Beauty and Destruction: Wartime London in Art

As bombs fell on 1940s London, artists responded. Over 45 paintings and drawings, with photographs, film and oral histories, capture a city both familiar and strange.

Now showing20 Mar – 1 Nov· Free

Dame Vera Lynn Collection

A selection of Dame Vera Lynn's personal objects, including letters, correspondence and uniform items from her recently acquired Second World War archive, on display for 12 months near the entrance to the Second World War Galleries.

Now showing2 Apr – 2 Apr 2027· Free

Childhood in War

The UK's first exhibition on how war has shaped children's lives from 1914 to today, told through personal objects, immersive set pieces and much-loved children's books.

Now showing31 Jul – 28 Feb 2027· Free

Permanent Collections

Peace and Security: 1945 - 2014

Clusters of objects, some from the conflicts themselves and some by artists, explore controversial episodes from Hiroshima to Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, raising questions about how and why we fight.

Permanent collection· Free

Witnesses to War

The museum's atrium display of large-scale objects bearing witness to the force and physicality of war, from a First World War artillery piece to the wreckage of a Reuters Land Rover from the Gaza Strip.

Permanent collection· Free

Second World War Galleries

Significant acquisitions and loans, including the first piece of wreckage of the USS Arizona ever displayed outside the US, preserve first-hand testimony from the Second World War before it passes out of living memory.

Permanent collection· Free

First World War Galleries

Walk through the trenches of 1914-18 via personal testimony, original objects and immersive reconstructions tracing the war's devastating human cost.

Permanent collection· Free

Blavatnik Art, Film and Photography Galleries

Around 500 works (paintings, photography, film) exploring how artists bear witness to conflict, including John Singer Sargent's iconic Gassed on permanent display.

Permanent collection· Free

The Holocaust Galleries

Extraordinary historical documents and objects, including the rare birth certificate of Holocaust survivor Eva Clarke, preserve first-hand testimony of the Holocaust. Not recommended for children under 14; contains graphic content.

Permanent collection· Free

Refracted Histories

A digital QR-code trail of nine stories from the LGBTQ+ community in times of conflict, woven through the First World War and Second World War Galleries.

Permanent collection· Free

Nearby

i

Hayward Gallery

Art15 min walk

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Tate Britain

ArtFree17 min walk

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Tate Modern

ArtFree18 min walk

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Churchill War Rooms

Military19 min walk

Visitor Information

Is Imperial War Museum free to visit?

Yes, general admission to Imperial War Museum is free. Some temporary exhibitions require paid tickets. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.

What are the opening hours of Imperial War Museum?

Imperial War Museum is open Daily 10:00–18:00 (closed 24–26 December). Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is Imperial War Museum?

Imperial War Museum is located at Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, in the Lambeth area of London. The nearest stations are Lambeth North, Elephant & Castle and Waterloo.

What can I see at Imperial War Museum?

Conflict from the First World War to today, told through objects and personal stories. Current highlights include Beauty and Destruction: Wartime London in Art, Peace and Security: 1945 - 2014 and Dame Vera Lynn Collection.

Do I need to book Imperial War Museum in advance?

Imperial War Museum is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Some temporary exhibitions require paid tickets. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.

When is the best time to visit Imperial War Museum?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Is Imperial War Museum accessible?

Step-free access throughout. Wheelchairs available. Hearing loops and large-print guides available.