Royal Air Force Museum London

The Royal Air Force Museum London is a national museum in Hendon, northwest London, dedicated to the history of the Royal Air Force and military aviation. The museum opened in 1972 and presents a large public collection of aircraft and related material.

Exhibition hangars display aircraft from World War I, World War II and the postwar era, including well-known types that illustrate RAF development and operations. Visitors can see airframes at close quarters, read technical and operational histories, and use interactive displays and education spaces aimed at a range of ages.

The museum also runs conservation and restoration workshops on-site and stages temporary exhibitions that change seasonally; events and family activities are scheduled throughout the year. Its collections make it a primary destination for those interested in aviation history, aircraft technology and the role of the RAF.

Established as a national museum to preserve RAF history, the Hendon site has expanded its displays and conservation facilities since opening in 1972 and remains one of the principal repositories for military aviation heritage in the UK.

Located in the Hendon/Colindale area of the London Borough of Barnet, the museum sits about 8 miles (roughly 13 kilometres) northwest of central London and is accessible by public transport and by road.

• Admission and planning: Admission to the London site is free and the museum is a major public collection for RAF history and aircraft in the UK; check the website for timed events and building closures.
• Opening and scope: The museum opened in 1972 and is located in Hendon, northwest London, with the collection spanning early 20th-century military aviation to modern RAF aircraft.

What to See #

• Historic hangars and galleries: Multiple historic hangars present thematic displays covering early aviation, World War collections and postwar aircraft, allowing visitors to walk beneath displayed airframes and read technical and operational histories.
• Conservation centre and temporary exhibition spaces: On-site conservation and restoration workshops support the museum's displays and sometimes offer visible conservation work; the site also hosts temporary exhibitions and family-friendly education spaces.