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. 

About us
Duxford Air Shows

Duxford Air Festival 2020

Duxford Air Shows

Duxford Air Festival 2020

Cancelled
IWM Duxford
Duxford Air Festival has been cancelled, in line with the latest advice issued by the Government and Public Health England. As a charity we value your support. Book tickets to our 80th Anniversary Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show and Flying Legends today.
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Duxford Air Festival 2020 has been cancelled
©IWM
Art And Design

Art at IWM

Art And Design

Art at IWM

IWM holds an exceptional art collection documenting conflict since 1914. The collection features artists from Sir William Orpen to commissions by Steve McQueen and Susan Philipsz.
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A painting entitled Christmas Day in the London Bridge YMCA Canteen. Depicts a lively scene of women serving up tea and cake set against a backdrop of flag bunting.
Christmas Day in the London Bridge YMCA Canteen, 1920, by Clare Atwood. © IWM (IWM ART 3062)

Most Read Stories

Alan Turing in 1951
© National Portrait Gallery
Second World War
How Alan Turing Cracked The Enigma Code
Until the release of the Oscar-nominated film The Imitation Game in 2014, the name ‘Alan Turing’ was not very widely known. But Turing’s work during the Second World War was so crucial that Winston Churchill acknowledged his role, saying that Turing made the single biggest contribution to Allied victory. 
Shop for Machining 15-inch Shells: Singer Manufacturing Company, Clydebank, Glasgow, 1918
© IWM (Art.IWM ART 2271)
Women In Wartime
12 Things You Didn't Know About Women In The First World War
The First World War brought many changes in the lives of British women. It is often represented as having had a wholly positive impact, opening up new opportunities in the world of work and strengthening their case for the right to vote. The reality is more complex. 
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.
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Season

Refugees

Season

Refugees

Taking place at IWM London and IWM North, Refugees explores refugee experiences throughout history and ongoing issues faced by those affected through two major exhibitions, a series of events and a new site-specific art commission at IWM London from world-renowned artist Ai Weiwei.  
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AFGHAN TEENAGERS PLAY CRICKET AGAINST A SHIPPING CONTAINER IN THE CALAIS ‘JUNGLE’, IN AN AREA OF THE CAMP KNOWN AS 'AFGHAN SQUARE'
©Rob Pinney

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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Join IWM membership

Shop Online

  • Front cover of Amazing Animal heroes by Mike Unwin
    Books

    Sit down with a good book. Our collection includes wartime classics and children's books. 

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  • A Spitfire model from IWM
    Model Kits

    Rediscover the joy of model kits. Our selection includes the iconic Spitfire. 

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  • Colour photograph of an aircrew in full flying kit walking beneath the nose of Short Stirling Mark I
    © IWM (TR 9)
    IWM Prints

    Choose from a wide range of stunning images from our collection to purchase as a print.

    Shop IWM Prints
Cold War

Life On Board A British Nuclear Submarine

Cold War

Life On Board A British Nuclear Submarine

The dangerous and claustrophobic life on board a submarine required the ship's company of 120 men to work as a close team.
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Sound Room
© IWM (DC 936)