Imperial War Museum London Tickets: Your Guide to the Ultimate Historical Experience

The Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London is a fascinating place to learn about the UK's military past and its impact on the world. With millions of visitors each year, it's one of the must-visit museums in the capital.

About the Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum was founded in 1917 to document the First World War. Today, it holds a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and artworks that tell the stories of those who have served in the British Armed Forces and the impact of war on society.

The museum is located in a series of historic buildings on Lambeth Road in Southwark, opposite the London Eye. The main entrance is on Lambeth Road, and there are additional entrances on Tooley Street and the South Bank.

The Museum's Collections

The Imperial War Museum's collections span over 100 years of British military history, from the First World War to the present day. The museum's collections include:

4,000,000: items in the museum's collection
30,000,000: photographs in the museum's collection
50,000,000: items in the museum's archives

• Military artifacts: Tanks, aircraft, weapons, and other military equipment.
• Documents: Letters, diaries, and official records.
• Artworks: Paintings, sculptures, and drawings.

The Museum's Exhibitions

The Imperial War Museum's exhibitions use these collections to tell the stories of British military history. The museum's main exhibition, "The Second World War Galleries," tells the story of the Second World War from the perspective of the people who lived through it. Other exhibitions explore topics such as the First World War, the Cold War, and the impact of war on society.

Highlights of the Museum's Collections and Exhibitions:

• The Blitz Experience: This immersive exhibition recreates the experience of living through the Blitz in London.
• The Holocaust Exhibition: This moving exhibition tells the story of the Holocaust.
• The First World War Galleries: This award-winning exhibition tells the story of the First World War.
• The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: The Lord Ashcroft Gallery in the Imperial War Museum London in association with the RAF Museum and the National Army Museum tells the story of Special Forces from 1940 to the present day.

Visiting the Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Admission is free, but there is a charge for some special exhibitions. Tickets for the Lord Ashcroft Gallery are £8.50 for adults, £6.50 for concessions, and free for children under 16.

The museum's website provides a map and directions to the museum.

Planning Your Visit

Here are some tips for planning your visit to the Imperial War Museum:

• Allow plenty of time: The museum is large, so you'll need at least two hours to see everything.
• Book your tickets in advance: This will guarantee you entry to the museum and save you time on the day.
• Take the audio tour: The audio tour is a great way to learn more about the museum's collections and exhibitions.
• Visit the museum with children: The museum has a number of activities for children, including a discovery center and a play area.
  Here is a price table of the museum's tickets and any potential travel or lodging expenses:

Travel expenses:

• Train from London Waterloo to Lambeth North: £4.90
• Underground from London Waterloo to Southwark: £2.90
• Bus from London Waterloo to the museum: £1.50

Lodging expenses:

• Travelodge London Southwark: £50 per night
• Premier Inn London Waterloo: £60 per night
• Hilton London Waterloo: £100 per night

Motivations for Visiting:

• To learn about British military history
• To see firsthand the impact of war on society
• To pay respects to those who have served in the British Armed Forces
• To take part in educational activities

Pain Points:

• The museum can be crowded, especially during peak times.
• Some of the exhibits can be graphic and disturbing.
• The museum is not fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Benefits of Visiting:

• The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and artworks.
• The museum's exhibitions are well-curated and informative.
• The museum is a great place to learn about British military history.
• The museum is free to visit.

Alternatives to Visiting the Imperial War Museum:

• The Royal Air Force Museum: This museum tells the story of the Royal Air Force.
• The National Army Museum: This museum tells the story of the British Army.
• The Royal Navy Museum: This museum tells the story of the Royal Navy.
• The Maritime Museum: This museum tells the story of Britain's maritime history.

FAQs:

• Q: Is the Imperial War Museum free to visit?

• A: Yes, the museum is free to visit.

• Q: What are the opening hours of the Imperial War Museum?

• A: The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

• Q: Is the Imperial War Museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?

• A: The museum is partially accessible to visitors with disabilities.

• Q: Are there any restrictions on photography in the Imperial War Museum?

• A: No, photography is permitted in the museum.

• Q: Can I bring my children to the Imperial War Museum?

• A: Yes, the museum has a number of activities for children, including a discovery center and a play area.

• Q: How do I get to the Imperial War Museum?

• A: The museum is a short walk from Waterloo station.

• Q: What are the best things to see at the Imperial War Museum?

• A: Some of the highlights of the museum's collections and exhibitions include the Blitz Experience, the Holocaust Exhibition, the First World War Galleries, and the Lord Ashcroft Gallery.

• Q: How long should I spend at the Imperial War Museum?

• A: You should allow at least two hours to see everything.

Conclusion

The Imperial War Museum is a fascinating place to learn about British military history and its impact on the world. With millions of visitors each year, it's one of the must-visit museums in London.