Imperial War Museums

Imperial War Museums explores conflict and its impact on people’s lives.

IWM is a family of five museums recording and showcasing experiences of modern conflict. Some of those experiences paint a picture of everyday life in wartime, others give us a glimpse of something exceptional. All of them help us to explore the causes of war and its impact on people’s lives.

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Take a virtual tour of the American Air Museum

Take a virtual tour of the American Air Museum

Learn more about our incredible collection of American aircraft and discover powerful personal stories of lives shaped by war in this new 360 tour of the American Air Museum at Duxford.

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Explore our Collection

Our museums may be closed but you can still explore our collection online. Search thousands of photographs and objects documenting conflict since 1914.

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This Week in Adventures in History

This week marks the 75th anniversary of VE day. We are sharing celebratory stories in the next episode of Adventures in History, coming to YouTube at 2pm on Wednesday 6 May 2020.

Learning Activities and Resources

IWM has a range of learning resources to keep children occupied over the coming weeks, including our new Adventures in History and Family Mission series.

First World War Recruitment Posters

Adventures in History: Amazing Animals

Six Spitfire Mark Is flying in starboard echelon formation

How has war in the air changed over time?

Featured Stories

A truck of revellers passing through the Strand, London, 8 May 1945.

Second World War

What You Need To Know About VE Day

8 May 1945 – VE (Victory in Europe) Day – was one that remained in the memory of all those who witnessed it. It meant an end to nearly six years of a war that had cost the lives of millions; had destroyed homes, families, and cities; and had brought huge suffering and privations to the populations of entire countries.

Basque refugee children being cared for at Bray Court in England c. 1938.

Second World War

Growing Up In The Second World War

The Second World War was a time of major upheaval for children in Britain. Over a million were evacuated from towns and cities and had to adjust to separation from family and friends. Here are 11 ways children were affected by the Second World War.

Women and men queuing outside Wood Green in 1945

Second World War

What You Need To Know About Rationing In The Second World War

In January 1940, the British government introduced food rationing. The scheme was designed to ensure fair shares for all at a time of national shortage.

JOIN IWM TODAY - BECOME A MEMBER

JOIN IWM TODAY - BECOME A MEMBER

Help us continue to tell stories that deserve to be heard by supporting us as a member and uncover a host of benefits including free standard admission to Churchill War Rooms, HMS Belfast and IWM Duxford.

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Imperial War Museums