Never forget. With anti-semitism on the rise and a political climate that that sometimes seems indifferent, it's imperative to understand history. I can think of no better place than IWM London to do just that. Since my previous visit, IWM (Imperial War Museum) has completed their renovation and now features changing exhibits as well as more permanent galleries focusing on WWI, WWII, and the Holocaust. Because the Holocaust Galleries are so extensive and so impactful, I spent hours here and never got to the WWI or WWII galleries on my most recent visit. The slow build of the Holocaust Galleries is haunting, from the ominous beginnings, where open anti-semitism was tolerated and embraced, to the cruel brutality of The Final Solution. If you leave here unmoved or with dry eyes you've not paid attention. The IWM London is but one part of a handful of museums focused on war, and is related to the more centrally located Churchill Rooms. While I found The Churchill Rooms interesting, I found IWM London compelling. Free of charge, IWM London is a world class museum that tells stories that must never be forgotten and even more so at these times. Its permanent galleries take complicated history and present it in a clear and compelling fashion. Even if you think you would be uninterested in a museum dedicated to war I'd argue otherwise. read more

I'm writing this review a bit late but it must be written. This was one of my must go to sites on my visit to London. I felt as of a kid going to the toy store as I am sure my wife felt the same as any parent dreading it. The museum is incredibly impressive from the outside and even more so inside. The museum is great for all who have interest in both World Wars. The first floor was full of all sorts of World War One items that I've only seen in books and some that I've never seen before. I was "running" around the museum pointing out and explaining different items to my wife's annoyance but I absolutely loved it (not annoying my wife). The second floor was just as impressive and very humbling. The areas around the war and it's effects on the population were very informative. The Holocaust section was incredibly humbling and sad but important to remember as to prevent such an act from ever happening again. I couldn't recommend a better museum. Looking forward to my next visit. read more

See all

What a great museum: the presentations were fresh and thought provoking with a nice balance between the big picture and story telling down to the personal level. The lower level galleries (WW1, WW2 and The Holocaust) were absorbing and comprehensive - I spent at least an hour in each and could have spent a day on each level and still be unfinished. The Peace and Security gallery was a bit thin and disconnected in my mind, with some interesting items but not a great deal of flow or context. Unfortunately I did not have time to visit Wim Wenders' gallery or the additional space dedicated to Holocaust survivor galleries as I had spent so long on the lower levels. I'd recommend visiting over two to three days for a comprehensive look. read more

IWM London - Outside - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

See all

Outstanding modern museum with a range of exhibits focused on either an event or theme. A visitor doesn't need to be a military history nut -- or even know much coming in -- to thoroughly enjoy this museum. Many exhibits are interactive and engaging enough for children to enjoy, and they have additional activities at specified times. It's in a wonderful historic building in a lovely park. And, though a donation is requested, it's free. read more

Hands down one of the best museums I've ever been to. Experience was incomparable to any other museum I've ever been to. Maybe the best museum experience of my adult life. The first floor was incredible. The WW1 exhibit was laid out in an interesting and captivating way. It took us an hour plus to go through. We also got to speak with a WWII child survivor. Not knowing who he was, he was kind and informative. Then he pulled out photos of where he lived as a child that bombs had hit. Showed us photos of where his shared room with his brother was (got destroyed), where he was hiding at the time and told his experience of meeting Pres Eisenhower later on in life. The exhibits were amazing but meeting a WWII child survivor was unforgettable. Come here, learn and experience all of the history this museum has to offer. read more

See all

If you overlook the bus-loads of school children on field trips, this museum is really good. Well-thought-out exhibits paint a human and horrifying picture of how war has evolved since the early 20th Century. The museum was simultaneously able to convey a sense of national pride while providing a fairly unbiased a non-machismo view of history. A line that most war museums rarely even attempt, let alone accomplish. Worth a visit! read more

The Imperial War Museum is an impressive (and free!) museum with educational exhibitions on WWI, WWII, the Cold War, and a special emphasis on the horrors of the Holocaust. The museum is spread over multiple floors and includes informational content to read, little videos, wartime machines, and more for you to browse and explore. Depending on how much you want to read, you could spend as little as 30 minutes or as much as a couple hours here. The museum is also surrounded by a lovely garden and park, if you just want to stroll through some greenery. Overall a fun activity in Southwark if you have some free time and are in the area! read more

A big dissapointment. The museum used to give very clear accounts and displays of the UK roles in the conflicts it has been involved in over the years. There is now a passable exhibition but by no means comprehensive about the first world War. The other conflicts have been barely touched upon with a few out of context exhibits. The museum now seems to be practically totally devoted to the treatment of the Jews by NAZI Germany. Its good to have that included of course but we did not actually go to war and fight the Axis powers because the Jews and others were being percescuted in fact the world wasn't even aware of the plight of the Jews until very late 1943 four years after war broke out. So where are the great displays the museum once had? Frankly I think the museum has lost sight of its actual purpose of recounting UK history in conflict. read more

See all

It was all fun and cool when I started, looking at all these fabulous machines. Tanks, submarines, big guns, little guns, even a Jeep. I caught one of the free walking tours which added quite a bit of interesting background and detail. And then I went through the Holocaust Exhibit. Or should I say, I tried to go through it. I was only able to make it halfway through before I had to find an exit and some fresh air, or I would have been quite sick. The Exhibit is extremely well done with lots of video and displays that clearly drive home the German industrial efficiency that was turned on the Jews and others in an attempt to exterminate an entire race. Very vivid displays, they are not kidding when they say that kids under 11 are not permitted. Even 14 year olds, unless they are very mature, probably shouldn't be permitted. Some of it's still in my head. :-( Once I escaped from that, the rest of the museum wasn't nearly as much "fun" when you realize that these machines are designed solely to kill people. On the way out, I walked through the "Remembering Fromelles" displays. Cases and displays showing the items that have been recovered from a previously unknown mass grave in Northern France from the battle in July 1916 where 250 British and Australian soldiers were buried. Pins, buttons, badges, even a page from a Bible that was found at the site, with some passages underlined. Everyone needs to see this stuff. It's a total coincidence that this is my 666th review. "War is hell" - Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, 1820-1891. read more

IWM London - Main entrance of the Museum, you can't miss the 15inch guns at the right. - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

See all

Got to get a little history into our trip to London. I've always wanted to visit the Holocaust museum to learn some more history and this was very informative. read more

See all

A beautiful well curated museum that is a must see for anybody visiting London. I had a week to explore London while traveling abroad for my graduate program and I made it s point to check out the imperial war museum. The only comparable museum I have been to is the national ww2 museum in New Orleans, which isn't free. A must visit for all ages and interests read more

This was a very well done museum. The displays were very well explained and engaging. I had hoped for a bit WW II stuff, but I am a bit of a nerd for that. I wish i have a bit more time, but this can take a full day or good portion of the day. its situated in a neighborhood with some nice grounds around it. Good place for a picnic. Its a bit off the beaten path, so a nice respite from the crowds of big ben and westminster area. I walked from Big Ben to this location, which was a bit of a haul, but manageable if you don't mind walking. Took the subway back to kensington. read more

The Imperial War Museum was an absolute gem of a find. We happened to be staying at the Days Hotel just one block away in Lambeth. Considering visiting London so much as a youngster and over the last few years exposing my mister to British culture, I was surprised that this museum had eluded me. Upon a misty London morning, we walked down to the Imperial War Museum. The front is quite striking as two huge blue/grey cannons situated in the entrance garden. It is open daily 10-6pm and free to the public. Once inside security checks all bags (as in all museums), friendly gentlemen offer guides at £4 each which are nicely embossed and would make a great keepsake. You enter at the second floor, looking into the center which is open and stretches from floor 1-5. This large space is filled with two fighter planes suspended from the ceiling, a war tank, a rocket and military vehicle. It was so amazing and well designed. As you navigate through each floor there are plans which explain the layout, time period and exhibits. There are elements of art (posters, propaganda, toys, home layouts), artillery (explanations regarding what they did, who would operate, role in war etc), short videos on loop which broke up the flow and gave a nice interactive touch. Not all items are in cases, but obviously one respects history without the need of mauling each item. The 2nd and 3rd floor have lovely gift shops containing books, trinkets, ode to the past items, wartime posters, audiobooks, postcards etc. all items were nicely displayed and prices were typical of a London museum. The 4th floor had a private exhibit which tickets could be bought for. We skipped that and went on to the 5th floor. This was the Holocaust memorial exhibit. Needless to say it was very tastefully laid out with respect to those lost, but also enough education on Hitler's rise to power, a fatigued nations embrace of a leader promising hope, an enlightening timeline of events, propaganda, Kristallnacht, survivors stories, short videos and more. Lights were dim, all was quiet, overall a very well thought out and respectful exhibit. read more

See all

Simply WOW! I was blown away by this museum. The museum includes personal and official documents, photographs, film and video material, and oral history recordings; an extensive library, a large art collection, and examples of military vehicles and aircraft, equipment and other artifacts. It's a very interactive experience which engages you and helps draw you in. There is so much to see and learn about WWI and WWII that you could spend an entire day at the museum. I was there for three hours with my parents and could have stayed longer. It's one of the best museums I've ever been to anywhere, and I am not a fan of war or military museums. It was not high on my list, but weather made us decide to skip a planned trip to Hampton Court and visit this museum instead. I am so glad we went as it was a truly memorable experience and one of the very best museums in London and the world. Definitely go!! read more

After a full and often scary career in the military, it's tough to get me to cry though I think with age it get's easier and easier. That being said (no, I didn't say "sad"), I couldn't help but cry twice here. The 1st was when I saw the Holocaust Exhibition and the Auschwitz display. I was stunned and marveled at the scale model of the infamous camp and just couldn't grasp the ferocity of hate as human-beings (men, women & children) were systematically "processed" from train disembarkation to the ovens. Absolutely horrible. Absolutely necessary. Lest we forget. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=auschwitz&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CEwQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.auschwitz.org.pl%2F&ei=78yPUZzkEuPBigK_tIDACQ&usg=AFQjCNHG74da1K-cq5sxLMw5H9pCeH9TQg&sig2=X9NVyZWVRqsM3mDh3inJ1w&bvm=bv.46340616,d.cGE The 2nd time I cried was at the John Singer Sargent Room where a huge painting of gas-blinded young soldiers hold onto each other as they make their way to the rear. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=john%20singer%20sargent%20gassed&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CD4QFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FGassed_(painting)&ei=RsqPUb6LHaGCiAK0k4HYDQ&usg=AFQjCNEf2Z5XLjPezdUPnmFCRt3G8AVTaw&sig2=diEUCi-o3QKEU-BXrV64JA&bvm=bv.46340616,d.cGE We in America, protected as we are by two vast oceans, have little case for empathy with the wars besieging the rest of the world. We usually will not get involved until the last minute. But we can get a glimpse of war's effect on England with a few hours walking among all the objects of strife here. From 1913 to the present, this museum's scope is vast and comprehensive and you will gain an appreciation for America's "isolation" and safety thanks to the Pacific & Atlantic oceans. Note: IWM London is closed until 29 July 2013. read more

See all

As a massive ww2 geek this was on my must visit list when recently in London. The museum is clearly signposted when you come out of the tube station and is only a short walk away. Entry is free and there are toilets dotted all around. Housekeeping over ... this museum is fantastic!! We spent an hr and a half in here and only had to leave because it was closing time. I could have spent hours in here. The ww1 exhibition is brilliant and there is a full sized trench you can wander through. I learned so much about the great war as its commonly known and the interactive displays are really easy to use and navigate. Now onto ww2 and the holocaust. There are signs up asking you to not take photographs and i can understand why. It seems disrepectful in a way. There is so much to see and video accounts of holocaust survivors to watch and a scale model of Auschwitch all laid out. What really caught my breath was the artifacts from Sobibor ... another of the german camps. There was a massive display of shoes that were collected from Sobibor which really brought tears to my eyes. Collections of items that the inmates brought to the camp as they believed they were destined for a better life. Totally heartbreaking ... if you have any spare time whilst in London you ahave to visit this museum. It really is fantastic. read more

See all

For years, I considered this my favorite museum in London. A must visit during my teens and 20s. I was completely besotted. When seen through my son's eyes, some of the enthusiasm dimmed. While still a fascinating place to visit, I can't quite tell everyone to make a beeline here if they only have a short stay in London. Even though I am no longer swooning, we still thoroughly enjoyed our visit. What I'd forgotten, and my son made abundantly clear, is that this museum has a rather limited view of war. It is really a collection of 20th century artifacts, with a large emphasis on WW2. It turns out that my son is more of a classical scholar, so his unlimited admiration remains with The British Museum. Things that impressed during our visit were the Trench and Bomb Shelter experiences. My father lived in the outskirts of London during WW2, so it is a great way to open that discussion and talk about his personal experience. The other exhibit that dominates the museum is the Holocaust memorial. The museum states that it is not appropriate for those under 14, so I followed their recommendation and did not bring my son. I would suggest other parents do the same or at least tour it themselves first and perhaps take younger children through only the less sensitive areas. It covers several floors of the museum and starts with a lot of background, before moving to the more extreme material. We visited during the last week of school and were surrounded by many school groups. Lots of planes and military vehicles in the main gallery and a large exhibit on spies that will hold their attention. Overall, a good place to take kids and it is a FREE museum unless you want to visit the special exhibition. Looking back, I realize that some of my best experiences here were because I had the luck of running into former soldiers that were working as docents. On more than one occasion, I was essentially given a private tour of the museum filled with their personal anecdotes. Visiting during the peak season, the place was packed and we were definitely on our own, trying to navigate around groups of kids. So less personal, but still a sentimental journey for me. read more

The Holocaust exhibit is excellent. Extremely, extremely well done. Takes you from start to finish. It's depressing, checks your gut, but again - extremely well done. AND; like most of the other museums in London... It's FREE!!! One of the best museums in the world. read more

Wow... the refurb has done this place wonders. It was a great place to visit before, but now it's fantastic, especially given that it's free. I loved: - the design of the exhibits. Great layouts within each section that tell the stories very well. This is done through a gazillion rare artefacts, sequenced perfectly with thoughtful lighting/layouts and plenty of accompanying information to read. - how interactive many of the exhibits were. They even have Microsoft Kinects so you can swipe and wave your arms through digital content. That's some high tech stuff right there. - the World War One and Holocaust exhibits in particular. They are simultaneously very interesting and an assault on the emotions, because of how thoughtfully put together they are. They will suck you in and spit you out, teaching you things that even a seasoned history nerd won't know and reminding you frankly how lucky you are to have got this far without a violent death at the hands of another. Highly recommended. Set aside 5 hours to give yourself ample time to engage with everything. read more

See all

Amazing. One of the best in terms of scale, delivery and history. The layout is perfect and you could easily spend a day meandering around the different levels. It is free entry but we opted for a donation. It really was extraordinary. read more

This museum was very well done and over all super cool. It had information on both world wars and the holocaust. The information was very elaborate and detailed with real ruminants of war and accurate dates. It was very cool is learn some new things and see the uniforms, cars, missed launchers,and other things solider actually used. The information was so extensive each war got an entire floor of display space. WW1 was on floor 0, WW2 was on floor 1, I don't recall what was on floor 2 as I did not get to actually go through it. But the holocaust took up both floors 3 and 4. There were live videos either from interviews or of voices over showing footage and photography from the war. The cafe inside the museum was also worth a look around. I got very hungry as one floor can take an hour. I stopped to see what snacks they had and was pleasantly surprised to be greeted with options of pizza, grilled items like chicken, Mac and cheese, fresh backed goods and so much more. I ended up getting carrot cake which was pronominal. I would honestly recommend making a half day of not a full one out of this museum. There is so much info on each floor it will take a while to get done. And definitely check out the gift shop before you leave. read more

See all

I LOVE THIS PLACE! It is fascinating, I spent hours in here during my trip to London last summer and I still talk about it. I loved "in the trenches" - yep, it's an exhibit for kids. So what, I loved dressing up and crawling through things too. The holocaust exhibit is heartbreaking, and I would not recommend it for young children, but it was def. something that people should see. I also loved the section on rationing. The photos of the blitz are crazy. Copper handing an old man with nothing a cup of tea...yeah, that hit me like a ton of bricks. All in all this is a fabulous place. It deserves a visit. read more

Only four stars because so much of it was closed; I had hoped to see the whole thing. I'll update... someday. I was there in October 2012, and the WW1 and WW2 galleries were closed for renovation. I'm sure they're massive, and that they'll be impressive when they're done... but I missed them. The whole museum closes for six months in 2013, so please check before you go. What I did see was impressive, but left me wanting much more. Special displays on the Holocaust and the secret war were very interesting. Other than that, there were planes and vehicles in the entryway. You can't miss the place from the street- look for the building with the guns in front. Yep, 15-inch naval guns make the place look unique. read more

My 100th review! I was saving it for a special location, and I have selected London's Imperial War Museum (IWM). I first came here in 1997 and then again in 2012, and it was every bit as fantastic as I had remembered it as a ten year old. There's no cost to get in, although donations are appreciated. There are multiple stories of exhibitions and artifacts all relating to Great Britain's involvement in war, as well as their armed services. The most haunting and evocative exhibit is the Holocaust one, which includes archival footage not suited for young children. However, there's plenty for children to enjoy, and if I can remember being awed by this museum over fifteen years ago, it's a testament to the IWM's character. At this museum, you can get up close to historical airplanes, uniforms, documents, and weaponry (all safely encased in glass!). One my favorite things to do here is to walk through a simulation of trench warfare and the blitzkrieg. Also, you can test your knowledge on military history and discover something entirely new. This is the place where I discovered a passion for learning history. This is the place I began to think about humanity and society. This is, quite possibly, my favorite place in the world. Highly recommended! read more

See all

This is such a great museum- so many things to see from so many different periods of time. I was here before it was renovated so I can tell you that it is a world class museum now. The V2 Rocket alone is worth the visit, but the Spitfire is such a joy to behold. They really have some awesome one-of-a-kind items in here, plan on spending a few hours here looking around. Best of all, the entry is FREE... read more

Over the past ten years I have visited the Imperial War Museum London four times and was never once bored with its priceless collection of war-related items. Alas, in the name of teaching and didactics, the powers that be decided to completely overhaul the IWM (with the exception of the fabulous, slash, disturbing, Holocaust exhibit and the collection of paintings) - thereby significantly reducing the number and range of genuine items on display. Which I think is a pity. Yes, the "new" IWM boasts a more "approachable" display, with plenty of tables to read from and what amounts a a virtual self-guided "tour" of WWI (when I visited!). School children will no doubt benefit from the new arrangement - adults, not so much. I was anxious to see the "new" IWM, but left a tad disappointed. As before, the entire permanent collection is free (though temporary collections can clock in at hefty prices), and with the exception of the Holocaust exhibit (for obvious reasons) and the paintings (for much less obvious reasons) you're allowed to take as many non-flash photos as you'd like. Three times I saw the Holocaust exhibit, and even though I'm not easily impressed, every time I left with tears in my eyes, shaken *and* stirred. To get to the IWM, take the Bakerloo Line to Lambeth North and then walk for approx. 10 minutes. If you need to unwind after a visit to the IWM, and I bet you will, there's a very nice pub on the corner of Lambeth Road and Kennington Road, "The Three Stags". They offer solid pub food and a good range of ales and lagers. When you exit the museum, turn left at the gate. Even the new version of the IWM is a spectacular, not-to-be-missed premium London attraction. Just slightly less so than before. read more

See all

Absolutely fascinating and one of the final museums I got to in my quest to see the "ten most important museums in London." Wish I had come sooner, and particularly loved the MI-6 exhibit. You'll have to "find" that exhibit as its entrance is not entirely obvious but you'll really enjoy it when you get there. Also a great green space directly adjoining along with a better than average cafe with some great sweet treats. read more

It can be a difficult museum to go through st times, since, after all, it is about war. But it is well laid out, free, has good signage, and is generally good for kids and adults alike. read more

In 1917 when the world was still in the throes of the Great War and men were dying by the thousand, a cabinet meeting decided that collections should begin of World War One equipment in order that the world might remember more easily. In 1920 the Imperial War Museum was opened by King George V and moved to its current location in 1936. Recently the world witnessed the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day and it is in this time, as the last surviving servicemen of WW1 reach the final years of their lives, that institutions like the Imperial War Museum truly take on the responsibility of maintaining the memory of those who have died for king, country and commonwealth. What the Imperial War Museum does best is to remind you of hugely important moments in the history of the world without glorifying war and conflict. Exhibitions of various servicemen's equipment, details of daily routine and hardships, development of combat technology - all are dealt with tastefully and, if not in a peaceful spirit, at least in a balanced manner. The IWM is a favourite amongst grown-ups and children alike and deals specifically with conflicts of UK and commonwealth troops. However, the wider subject of war is also dealt with - a current exhibition of writers reactions to the holocaust is an incredibly harrowing experience demonstrating how vast the consequences of war can be. I'm a pacifist and detest the idea of war and violence but I would urge everyone to visit the IWM lest we forget where we came from and, more importantly, to provide hope for the future. read more

IWM London - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

This was an OK museum. I was expecting more. I've been to several dozen museums similar to this around the world and go to see a lot more. Its still worth a visit but don't plan on spending more than an hour or so here. We walked here from Big Ben. It didn't take more than 15minutes. The price was ok, it was free. read more

The best museum, if you are looking for bombs and rockets, which are able to destroy. Das ist eine gute Bombe! No'n means - what ver cheap immitates. Simple nun bout the backgrounds of modern warefare, only big bombs 'n rockets and sum kindo wow effect, how big the guns... There the Blitz show is one real rubbish. There isn't that fast studying of Blitz possible. And I donot know who's addressed here - children? War heroes? British or German neverchanges... Poor for the amounts of money it sure frits. Or Fritz? Ja, Hans! read more

Among the most impressive museums I've ever experienced, and I've seen a lot! Great for adults and kids. The exhibit on World War I, the Great War, explained this war in the most clear fashion I have ever heard - through very engaging videos, photos, mock sets of what trenches were like, real war artifacts, press clippings, and more. Would recommend this museum just for that exhibit! Well done Great Britain ! Thank you. Now I'll simply pray for the day humans finally learn from these war lessons to avoid war in the future. read more

IWM London - 1914 Life expectancy in Britain: 50 for men, 54 for women. We've come a long way. Imagine if there were no more war. - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

Opens at 10a, not 9a. Pretty good museum with a focus on WWII and the post war eras. What makes the Imperial War Museum the best is their fantastic floor wide exhibit on World War I. They did a fabulous job explaining this war that many of us have forgotten about or never learned. It's such a great exhibit, that you really don't need a guide of any sort. Just read as many of the exhibits about WWI as you can. read more

I absolutely love the imperial war museum. its free. Bonus, but it has a great mixture of factual stuff and interactive exhibitions. It has loads to see and do, and is a great place to take small boysone particularly great thing is the tank and cannon that can be climbed on! As is previously mentioned the Holocaust exhibition is (difficult to know what adjective to use) extremely well thought out and interesting. Its very moving without being gratuitously over the top. All in all is a good day out, and you might learn something too! read more

IWM London - Museums Near Me - London, XGL

The Imperial War Museum London, A great place to visit, rain or shine, take a look at a lot of war memorabilia From planes,Tanks and many other artifacts. The museum takes you through all conflicts that Britain has taken part in from WWI &2 the Falklands war, and up to the modern day warfare we encounter today, terrorism, electronic warfare, the gulf war , Afghanistan. Photography is permitted, Entry is FREE but there are Donation box's at the entrance/exit. View more images on my Yahoo flickr photo sharing account. http://www.flickr.com/photos/top_gun_1uk/sets/72157607991657022/ read more

See all

If you have 3 days in London, you need to make this happen. They have things here you will simply not find anywhere else on the planet. I am a big fan. read more

I often make a point to visit this museum when I am up in London from Reading. There is a lot to see and all the items on show are easy to see on three floors. I like the aeroplanes hanging up and also the sections of the Lanc and Halifax..Try the Bilitz Experience..There's usually a queue but do be patient. The sections dedicated to WW1 and WW2 are particularly good but other wars are represented. We have just been up to see the 1939 section (I was born in 1939) so some of the items brought back memories of the war. The Gas masks for instance. I had my own baby sized one which we kept after the war...I wish I still had it. The book shop is very comprehensive and since I am presently researching U-Boats of WW2 I found Grey Wolf (an Osprey book by Gordon Williamson) relating the story of the Crewmen of WW2 and showing the dreadful conditions they suffered inside the cramped submarines but also showing the recruitment and training of young men who didn't know into what they were getting. So many died in the Bay of Biscay before they had even seen action !! read more

See all

We just happened upon this museum walking around the neighborhood our hotel was located. The massive guns in the the courtyard caught my attention so we decided to give it a look. Awesome displays of British military equipment from the modern era (WWI and up). They have a floor dedicated to the holocaust that will leave you speechless. I highly recommend visiting. read more

I definitely agree with other reviewers - this museum absolutely blew me away! I feel it doesn't get as much attention as say, the Natural History Museum or the other amazing public spaces in London but in my opinion, after doing all the tourist-y things, the Imperial War Museum shoots to the top of the list of must-sees. ~ An amazing collection of real historical artefacts such as planes, guns, etc. that have ACTUALLY been used. Not to mention memorabilia such as letters and rations. ~ Different sections for different wars that were all designed to give you a full picture of what had happened. I saw a lot of people with small children there but I honestly questioned whether that was a good idea as there are some actually very graphic images. You really get the feeling that the IWM didn't celebrate war, but had an unbiased account that showed all the negatives as well. ~ Videos, photographs, and they also regularly played atmospheric sounds such as guns and bombs going off in the background and had an example of a trench you can stand in (for WWI). ~ Absolutely massive place - my partner and I were sad that we couldn't get through the whole thing as we needed to move on elsewhere. But next time we're in London, we both agreed to come back and explore the entirety of this fantastic museum. --- A must-see whether you live in London or you're just a visitor. If you've never been to the IWM, it's a slice of human history we should never forget. read more

The war museum that other war museums aspire to be. If I were a museum I'd be jealous of this exhibit. I mean, seriously, WWII trenches that smell like hell? How do they do that? A three story home with all the details of life during war time built within the walls of this seemingly modest yet vastly comprehensive memorial to the tragedy of war. More tanks, cannons and military hardware than I thought possible within view as you enter the front doors. The Holocaust exhibit was moving to say the least. The Caen Memorial exhibit in France, though so much larger in size, fails to express as much of the experience as The Imperial war Museum in London. I highly suggest this museum to any visitor or resident. Definitely a "must see" on your list of places to go in London. read more