About
The Imperial War Museum, also known as IWM London, stands on Lambeth Road in London SE1, south of the River Thames. It covers conflicts from the First World War to the present day, and its displays draw on a wide range of material, from military vehicles and aircraft to the personal stories of people who lived through war.
What you will see
- Military vehicles and aircraft, displayed in large halls that give a sense of the scale of modern warfare.
- Personal stories, which place the objects in the context of individual lives rather than only the machinery of conflict.
- The Holocaust Exhibition, a separate section that deals with the persecution and murder of Jewish people and others under the Nazi regime.
What kind of visit it makes
This is a museum for a full visit rather than a quick look. The collections are extensive, and the Holocaust Exhibition in particular asks for time and attention, so many visitors plan a morning or a whole afternoon. The mix of large objects and intimate personal material means the visit can feel both impressive and deeply human.
For details on opening, admission and getting there, call +44 20 7416 5000 before you travel.
The area around it
Lambeth Road places the museum within walking distance of the south bank of the Thames, where you can combine a visit with a stroll along the river. Its location in central London also makes it easy to pair with other sights across the city.