Imperial War Museum

26687 reviews

Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom

www.iwm.org.uk

+442074165000

About

Imperial War Museum is a Museum located at Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom. It has received 26687 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10AM-6PM
Tuesday10AM-6PM
Wednesday10AM-6PM
Thursday10AM-6PM
Friday10AM-6PM
Saturday10AM-6PM
Sunday10AM-6PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Imperial War Museum: Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom

  • Imperial War Museum has 4.7 stars from 26687 reviews

  • Museum

  • "Only had an hour and only got to see the First World War exhibit which was great but the lighting used makes it a little hard to see things and some items are placed quite a long way from the description, meaning it's not always intuitive to read about what you're seeing"

    "One of the world's leading museums"

    "Interesting spot, with succinct explanations of all the artefacts it holds, certainly worth doing/participating in given its free price tag, with quite a few noteworthy items in the bookstore as well"

    "Amazing place"

    "From the moment you enter, the museum's well-curated collection of artifacts, documents, and immersive displays guide you through various periods of war, shedding light on the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and nations affected by global conflicts"

Reviews

  • Stephen Beale

Only had an hour and only got to see the First World War exhibit which was great but the lighting used makes it a little hard to see things and some items are placed quite a long way from the description, meaning it's not always intuitive to read about what you're seeing. The lockers need £1 coins and work well but didn't seem to be that many (forgot my pound at the end, too!!). Lots of school kids so quite hard to read (great that they're being exposed to it but adds a hustle and bustle environment to the museum experience). You also do not need to follow the time on the website as they told me on arrival- it's a hold over from COVID and they now ignore it. So a few things could be better there (update the website?!). Still, friendly staff and great exhibits, lots to learn, even for those who think they know a fair bit about the periods on display.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Rupert Martin

One of the world's leading museums. After a massive remodeling of the property, we now have an incredible and very accessible museum for all ages and groups. Spread over several floors, there activities for all ages and abilities. The staff and volunteers are brilliant at explaining and guiding visitors around the exhibitions. We visited while the Holocaust exhibition was running and the ream explained with great care about the content and age appropriate nature of the exhibit. There are a ton of interactive exhibits, with the new collections for the first, second world wars being a stand out. Credit must also go to the work and effort explaining the Irish troubles and good Friday agreement. The surrounding park is also a great thing if you need to let little people expand some energy beforehand. My only gripe would be some of the prices in the Cafe, but again a great team and brilliant layout.

  • Jason D

Interesting spot, with succinct explanations of all the artefacts it holds, certainly worth doing/participating in given its free price tag, with quite a few noteworthy items in the bookstore as well. Could easily see a family taking a half day to get through it all - though with a proper push and the appropriate motivation, an hour to an hour and a half and you're in and out. The resolve of the volunteer staff is clearly felt throughout the museum, with most at least somewhat knowledgeable as to what is on and around the floors they are patrolling Heard good things about the guides, I didn't use one though, so I'm not sure my comment is super qualified
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Sally Howes

Amazing place. I used to go here a lot as a child. I went back with my Dad a good 40 odd years later. Wow! The museum is incredible. I saw it very differently as an adult. They have done so much work on it. I found it absorbing and fascinating. I'm amazed it's free entry. There is a lift to every level, which was fantastic for my 79 year old Dad as he was able to see all the exhibits. The gift shop is beautiful and the cafe does beautiful food and the coffee was lovely. Gifts and food/drink are a bit pricey. However, when you weigh up the overall experience that you get for free, it's a small price to pay. Highly recommended
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • TMV

From the moment you enter, the museum's well-curated collection of artifacts, documents, and immersive displays guide you through various periods of war, shedding light on the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and nations affected by global conflicts. The attention to detail and the storytelling approach help visitors connect with the past on a deeply personal level. The layout and design of the museum are intuitive, ensuring that visitors can navigate through the exhibits smoothly and engage with the content at their own pace. It's also free entry.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • wayne howe

Huge museum in London just a few minutes walk from Waterloo BR station. The main focus is world wars 1 & 2 with masses of exhibits. There are numerous fluids to explore and at the time of our visit there was also an exhibition on the troubles in Northern Ireland and another on spies etc On the third floor is an exhibition on the Holocaust which is recommended for ages 14 & up. There is much to learn here and Ur would be easy to spend several hours if you read and watched all the information. I would recommend this for children from about 10 upwards .
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Sue Robinson

Not too busy during the school holidays. The interactive displays are excellent. Much improved museum since my last visit! Both me and my granddaughter thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would highly recommend it to the young and old alike. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable and helped to make our day a very special one. We very much enjoyed the freshly baked pizza in the café too Free entry, but I would suggest leaving a donation for this worthwhile treasure of a museum. A visit is highly recommended.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Dom Moore

Bit too busy when we went, and as some of the corridors are a little narrow in places, things got a bit congested on occasion. Lots to see though and some very good displays etc. There are a lot of information boards as well as some audio visual displays. Tickets are free and we booked in advance, but no-one asked to see them. If you like this, you'll love the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds which is very impressive. It has a number of shows on throughout the day and is well worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Shyam Sasidharan

Very extensive collection of war artifacts alongside exhibit labels describing its details. Many screens narrating many stories of the wars with vivid images and videos. Definitely worth spending 2-3 hours for history-curious adults. Children & teens may get bored soon. Access to 2nd floor and above is awkward - stairs and lift are on opposite side of the entrance while another pair of stairs to only basement, ground floor, and 1st floor are near entrance.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Tracey Bradby

This is a must go see. Great for all the family to learn some history. The guides there are happy to chat and explain exhibits. Free to get in. You can make donations if you wish. You will be checked by security. But dont worry, they were fast efficient and friendly. My advice, take your own food and drink. The cafe is very expensive and truth be told, I wasn't happy with the service this time. I've visited this museum at least 3 times now. I will go back again. Enjoy
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • Sneha Laxmi

It was enjoyable. We learnt a lot. A few rooms were not for kids. It was able to cover one day. Not so big and not so small. Kids enjoyed watching the vehicles. Food was good. The outside garden was great. Not too crowded. Many videos were there. Some projections were good. Some videos were interactive. Good museum. Good for a one day out. Restroom were near by.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Helen Darbyshire

One of the best museums I’ve been to. My sister and I spent 4 hours there. The WWI displays are excellent. The Holocaust galleries are sobering. Enjoyed the WWII galleries and the Spy exhibition. What is especially good about the displays is they often tell real-life individual stories. Some nice gift shops and a cafe on site.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Leif Erik Log

Excellent and respectful display of original war artifacts from WWI and WWII also from newer wars as the cold war and northern Ireland. The artifacts is displayed in a way that takes the visitors through the history in an educational manner. There is something for bout the seasoned historian and the novice.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Stuart Goodeve

Absolutely brilliant place to visit, all really well set out with lots of information to absorb past conflicts, partnered with equipment and armaments of that particular period. I really recommend visiting this place but ensure you write off a minimum of 3 hours
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Marki Allum

Beautifully set out with a very modern approach to telling the history of our disgusting humanity. All the exhibited items are very well set out with information that you can actually read. Shame they don't accept Book Tokens. Free entry as well, which should be changed for non UK citizens. More

  • L H Silva-Clark (Tupinambah)

Superb museum, spacious, clean and very organised. Detailed information available and interesting interactive resources. Amazing bookshop with fabulous books, pins, mugs, t shirts, bags posters and pins. Entrance is free, several toilets available, accessible to wheelchair and children friendly.

  • Julie Lowe

Very interesting museum focusing on WW1 and WW2. There was also a cool exhibit on spies while we were there. Highly recommend. Easy access via the tube and did I mention, it's free!? You can obtain timed entry tickets in advance, but not sure that is totally necessary on a weekday. More

  • Martin Burrow

Well thought out space. I guess they are moving away from 'hardware' and more towards personal testimony of lived experience. Which makes it all the more powerful. Info ranging from NI troubles, Kosovo, Cyprus, WWII, spy exchanges in 2010. Free and well worth a visit.

  • Victoria Bain

My husband really enjoyed our visit here and so did I. Lots of information and great interactive features throughout. I was so pleased to see a Sopwith Camel as I am an avid Snoopy and he flies one when he is the WW1 flying ace!! I would definitely recommend it.

  • John Carr (Corinne and John)

Excellent museum close to Lambeth North tube station. The art exhibition in the new Blavatnik Galleries is fantastic and highly recommended. And it's all free to visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Jamie Angell

Spent just over 3 hours in the museum and managed to see pretty much all the exhibits, but I'd definitely recommend even longer if you want to read all the information available because it's very abundant. I manly enjoyed the WW1, WW2, and

  • weary feladunder

It's free. Do however make a donation or buy the guide book for six bucks. Five floors, plenty to keep u occupied for as long as want. Given the location its quite small, behind the entry facade is a brand spanking bespoke building. More

  • Suzanna Ohlin

Splendid exhibition, very diverse in terms of collected material: machines of war, posters, documents, video and sound recordings, everyday objects, applied arts, clothing, weapons, and oil paintings. It’s all quite informative, plus I

  • MD SALAHUDDIN, DAYNE HAMZAH

Interactive and concise and true to theme displays, numerous technologically advanced videos and photos. Go for this even if history bores you. The writings and descriptions of past events are objective, not skewed towards a certain

  • Daniel Halliday

The holocaust exhibition really got me very emotional. I had to leave after it as it was quite overwhelming in a good way. Fantastic museum
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Victoria Rus

It's one of the best. The building and the decorations are lovely. So many interesting things about wars that bring you back there.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • kieran kelly

A great educational day or for age 5 and upwards plenty to see and do and interact definitely worth visiting for historical purposes
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Grease Monkey

Wheelchair accessible via the west entrance. The wheelchair ramp is just past the cafeteria. The floors are smooth . There are 4 lifts at one end of the central hall. The lifts serve all floors.

  • Raymond Burke

I really enjoyed seeing the British Military History come alive. Located in a beautiful building with very helpful museum docents to help you out, just a great experience. Thank you to all!!

  • Mark Smith

Wonderful Museum! Don't Miss! Plan four hours. If you don't stop or read anything, you may get through in

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