Imperial War Museum Museum

Address: Imperial War Museum London, Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, UK

Website: https://www.iwm.org.uk

Hours: Daily 10:00am-6:00pm

Admission: Free (IWM London)

The Imperial War Museum in London is the main national museum for the study of modern conflict involving Britain and the Commonwealth. The institution was founded in 1917 to collect and interpret material related to wartime experience.

Created during the First World War to preserve records and objects from that conflict, the museum expanded its remit after 1945 to cover subsequent wars and their social impacts. Over time it has grown into a multi-site organisation with specialized collections and research centers.

The main Imperial War Museum is in central London and is accessible by public transport; other IWM branches and sites across the UK focus on specific themes and regional histories.

• Founding date: Established in 1917 to record and display Britain’s wartime experience and related military history.
• Collections: The London branch has extensive displays of military vehicles, aircraft and immersive exhibitions covering the First and Second World Wars and later conflicts.

Imperial War Museum (IWM London) is on Lambeth Road (A3203) in south Westminster. The nearest tube is Lambeth North (Bakerloo line) - it’s a short walk (a few minutes) from that station. Waterloo station is also within easy walking distance (about 10-15 minutes). By bus multiple London bus routes serve Lambeth Road; if driving from central London follow the A302/A3203 (Lambeth Road) and use nearby pay parking or public car parks.

• Entry to the main Imperial War Museum in London is free for the permanent displays, but special exhibitions often require a paid, timed ticket-book those online in advance to avoid queues.
• Arrive on weekday mornings for quieter galleries and to have more space in the large vehicle and aircraft displays in the ground-floor atrium, which can become congested with school groups later in the day.
• The museum is a short walk from Lambeth and Southwark areas-check public-transport options and the museum's website for the best pedestrian approach and any temporary closures before you visit.