Located just a stone’s throw from Waterloo station, the Imperial War Museum (IWM) is a great place to visit for both families and military buffs. There are several different exhibitions to choose from, including the Holocaust, a First World War exhibition, and the Cold War. The building that houses the Imperial War Museum is the former Bethlem Royal Hospital. The museum took over the building in 1936. Today, the Imperial War Museum is a corporate headquarters for the Imperial Institute, as well as a museum. Its initial remit was to teach people about the causes of the First World War. However, it has since expanded its mission to include all of the conflicts that have impacted the globe in the past century.
Founded in 1917, the Imperial War Museum London is a fascinating place to visit. Millions of visitors come to the museum each year. The majority are school groups that visit to learn about the two world wars. There are displays of the history of military technology and weapons as well as personal accounts of the people who experienced war. In addition to these exhibits, the museum also holds a sizeable collection of art and film related to the First and Second World Wars. A significant proportion of the museum’s holdings are official photos of the military taken during the wars. The oldest exhibits at the museum relate to Victoria Cross winners and the Holocaust.
In addition to the main museum, visitors can visit the Tea Room, which is open during school holidays. The cafe offers a wide selection of drinks, and a terrace for visitors to enjoy. During the busier periods, walk-ups are allowed, but the wait can be a bit long. The museum is closed on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of December.ย Check this out
The Imperial War Museum has recently released concept sketches for new galleries that will open in 2021, related to a vivid narrative of the war and the Holocaust, and will draw heavily on personal stories. Rather than focusing on the enemy, the Imperial War Museum tends to focus on the British and Commonwealth forces involved, with large pieces of artifacts and uniforms. It portrays British soldiers as innocent bystanders trying to maintain the peace. The main blurb for the post-second world war section ignores history. The first section of the museum depicts two pairs of soldiers shaking hands through a ‘wall of prejudices’. The image is a subtle question of how anonymous masses consented to war.
The museum is divided into a number of galleries. Each section includes smaller artifacts, as well as larger ones. For instance, the first gallery has an exhibit on the early phases of the war. It includes information on the rise of the Nazis and the Munich agreement. There is also an example of chemical warfare. Other sections include the Falklands War and the Gulf War of 1991.
A major new addition to the museum is the Harrier jump jet, a key aircraft in the Falklands War. It is also the largest new exhibit. This aircraft is not a replica but is actually one of the original models used in Afghanistan. It is on loan from the United States. It is accompanied by a small, interactive display. This is the most moving part of the exhibit. The exhibition also includes a section about the psychological effects of war on soldiers.
The Imperial War Museum is also home to the Churchill War Rooms. The building is adjacent to the Imperial Institute in South Kensington. The Imperial War Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The busiest time to visit is during the afternoon. Tickets are free, so there is no reason not to visit. This museum contains a variety of miniature weapons, including a listening device and a camera. There are also suitcases that contain secret compartments. These items are a great way to get a glimpse into how everyday life was lived during times of conflict. There are also displays of military hardware, as well as a section on British Special Forces. In addition, there is an exhibit on the history of espionage. The museum has a smattering of original artifacts, as well as a Spitfire fighter that is linked to the Battle of Britain section.
The Imperial War Museum is a national institution that seeks to convey the reality of war. It is intended to strengthen images of the nation’s collective experience. The museum was created during wartime and was envisaged as a memorial. The committee also envisaged the museum as a place for historians and technicians to study. The first Commissioner of Works spoke at the opening ceremony. He referred to the museum as a record of sacrifice for the people of the Empire. It was meant to serve as a national war memorial. A fantastic read.
