Imperial War Museum
London · United Kingdom · Founded 1917
Quick answer
Imperial War Museum in London, United Kingdom — the Imperial War Museum London tells the story of conflict involving Britain and the Commonwealth from the First World War to the present day. Open daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Admission: free standard admission. Allow 3–4 hours and book a timed ticket ahead.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Imperial War Museum at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free standard admission |
| Booking | Book a timed ticket in advance — peak slots sell out |
| Time needed | 3–4 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings at 10 AM opening — allow extra time for the Holocaust Exhibition. |
| Getting there | Metro: Lambeth North (Bakerloo line) — 5-minute walk; Elephant & Castle (Northern/Bakerloo) — 10 minutes |
| Address | Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom |
| Official website | iwm.org.uk |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Imperial War Museum known for?
The Imperial War Museum London tells the story of conflict involving Britain and the Commonwealth from the First World War to the present day. Founded in 1917 while the Great War still raged, it was established to record the experiences of those who lived, fought, and died in the conflict.
The museum occupies the former Bethlem Royal Hospital building in Lambeth, with the iconic pair of fifteen-inch naval guns from HMS Ramillies and HMS Roberts flanking the entrance. Inside, the redesigned First World War Galleries and the Holocaust Exhibition are among the most powerful museum experiences in Britain.
Displays combine large objects — aircraft, tanks, submarines, and V-weapons — with personal letters, diaries, photographs, and oral histories. The emphasis throughout is on individual human experience rather than military hardware alone.
Admission to the permanent collection is free, though timed entry may be required during busy periods. The museum also operates branches at IWM Duxford, HMS Belfast, Churchill War Rooms, and IWM North in Manchester.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · Families with Older Children · Military History Buffs
How long do you need at Imperial War Museum?
Allow 3–4 hours. A focused route through 5 must-see highlights at Imperial War Museum without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Mark V Tank
📍 Atrium, Ground Floor
A First World War tank displayed in the central atrium, symbolising the industrial scale of mechanised warfare on the Western Front.
- 2
Spitfire Mk I
📍 Atrium, suspended display
An iconic Battle of Britain fighter suspended in the museum's central hall, one of the most photographed objects in London museums.
- 3
Holocaust Exhibition
📍 Upper Floors
A chronological exhibition tracing the persecution and murder of European Jews, drawing on IWM's extensive document and testimony archive.
- 4
T-34 Tank
📍 Second World War Galleries
A Soviet T-34/85 tank representing the Eastern Front, displayed alongside personal accounts of soldiers and civilians.
- 5
V-2 Rocket
📍 Conflicts Since 1945 Gallery
A German V-2 ballistic missile, displayed in context of the Blitz and the technological escalation of aerial warfare.
What are the must-see works at Imperial War Museum?
5 highlights that define the collection: Mark V Tank, Spitfire Mk I, Holocaust Exhibition and more.
Mark V Tank
British Army · First World War
📍 Atrium, Ground Floor
A First World War tank displayed in the central atrium, symbolising the industrial scale of mechanised warfare on the Western Front.
Spitfire Mk I
Supermarine · 1939
📍 Atrium, suspended display
An iconic Battle of Britain fighter suspended in the museum's central hall, one of the most photographed objects in London museums.
Holocaust Exhibition
IWM curatorial team · permanent
📍 Upper Floors
A chronological exhibition tracing the persecution and murder of European Jews, drawing on IWM's extensive document and testimony archive. Not recommended for children under 14.
T-34 Tank
Soviet Union · Second World War
📍 Second World War Galleries
A Soviet T-34/85 tank representing the Eastern Front, displayed alongside personal accounts of soldiers and civilians.
V-2 Rocket
Nazi Germany · 1944
📍 Conflicts Since 1945 Gallery
A German V-2 ballistic missile, displayed in context of the Blitz and the technological escalation of aerial warfare.
Collections and highlights
- • First World War Galleries
- • Holocaust Exhibition
- • Second World War atrium displays
- • Conflicts since 1945 including Iraq and Afghanistan
- • Art of the First and Second World Wars
- • Personal letters, diaries, and oral histories
- • Aircraft, tanks, and naval weapons
- • Temporary exhibitions on contemporary conflict
Tips for visiting Imperial War Museum
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings at 10 AM opening — allow extra time for the Holocaust Exhibition.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Busy on weekends and school holidays; the atrium is always active.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
Free admission to permanent galleries; book timed entry online during peak periods.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Museum café; restaurants and pubs on Lower Marsh and around Waterloo.
- 5.
Accessibility
Fully accessible with lifts; Holocaust Exhibition has age guidance (14+).
How do you get to Imperial War Museum?
- metro Lambeth North (Bakerloo line) — 5-minute walk; Elephant & Castle (Northern/Bakerloo) — 10 minutes
- bus Multiple buses stop on Lambeth Road (3, 59, 159, 360)
- walk 15-minute walk from Waterloo station along the South Bank
Address: Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom
Imperial War Museum: frequently asked questions
Are the Holocaust Galleries suitable for children?
Recommended for visitors aged 14 and above.
Is the museum near Lambeth North?
Yes, the Lambeth North tube station is a five-minute walk away.
How long should I spend at Imperial War Museum?
Plan 3–4 hours for the highlights of Imperial War Museum. Our 5-stop route — Mark V Tank, Spitfire Mk I, Holocaust Exhibition and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Imperial War Museum best known for?
Founded in 1917 to record the experience of the First World War, IWM London expanded into the former Bethlem Royal Hospital in 1936 and now spans a century of conflict. Key highlights include First World War Galleries, Holocaust Galleries, Second World War Galleries.
How do I get tickets for Imperial War Museum?
Free standard admission. Book a free timed ticket on the official website to guarantee entry at busy times. Official site: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london
Is the Holocaust Exhibition suitable for children?
IWM recommends the Holocaust Exhibition only for visitors aged 14 and over due to its graphic and emotional content.
How long should I allow?
Allow at least three hours for the First World War galleries, Holocaust Exhibition, and Second World War displays. Many visitors stay half a day.
Is it the same as the Churchill War Rooms?
No — Churchill War Rooms is a separate IWM site near Westminster. The Lambeth building is the main Imperial War Museum with the large-object displays.
Is Imperial War Museum open on Mondays?
Yes — Imperial War Museum is open every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Check the official website for holiday hours.
What are Imperial War Museum's opening hours?
Imperial War Museum is open daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Imperial War Museum free to visit?
Yes — free standard admission.
