© IWM
See war through the eyes of the people who lived it. Be moved. Be inspired. Be transformed.
- Opening Times
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10am to 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Please book in advance.December exclusions: Closed from Mon 21 – Sat 26 Dec. Open Sun 27 Dec 2020 to Sun 3 January 2021.
Book your visit to IWM London
Before you book please consider supporting IWM by becoming a member.
As a thank you for your support, you will enjoy free admission all year to our charging branches including IWM Duxford and Churchill War Rooms
We look forward to welcoming you when we reopen on Thursday 3 December. As tickets are limited for safety, please do remember to book in advance.
In the meantime, you can plan your visit by exploring what’s on, connect with our collections by searching our stories and learn from home.
Discover IWM London
© IWM
Discover IWM London
Imperial War Museums is the world’s leading museum of war and conflict. Founded while the First World War was still raging, it gives voice to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people forced to live their lives in a world torn apart by conflict.
From the moment you step into the iconic atrium, to the countless discoveries awaiting you in the award-winning galleries, IWM London examines the continuing influence of war on our world.
Hear extraordinary true stories of ordinary people’s experiences of conflict across the museum’s six floors – stories that have the power to move, inspire and transform.
Help us to keep you safe
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Book in advance
We will be limiting the number of visitors to each of our museums so that physical distancing can be observed. We recommend that visitors book a time slot in advance for entry and it is possible that queuing will be required to enter the busier parts of our museums.
We will be very grateful for your patience and understanding where this is required.
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Social distancing
In response to Government advice issued 9 September, visitors must follow the limits on the number of other people you are now legally able to meet as a group.
Visitors are required to wear masks in line with government guidelines unless there is a legitimate reason not to do so.
Help us to keep you safe by adhering to the government recommendations on physical distancing. Where possible, please keep 2m apart from other visitors who are not in your household or support bubble.
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Extra safety measures
Hand washing/hand sanitising points will be set up throughout the museum to ensure visitors can wash and sanitise their hands regularly.
We will be increasing the amount of cleaning that we do, especially in busy visitor areas, with special attention to stair handrails, doors, lifts, toilets areas, and any interactive gallery points.
Please read our Coronavirus FAQ for more information before visiting.
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.
©Rob Pinney
Facilities
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Safety at IWM
Please take a moment to read through our Coronavirus FAQs.
The safety of our visitors and staff and the preservation of our collections are of the upmost importance to IWM. We therefore kindly ask that you allow sufficient time on entry to our museums for our staff to complete their security checks to ensure this is maintained. Please do not bring any prohibited items with you as they will be confiscated. If you see any unattended bags or packages or have concerns about security issues on your visit please report this to a member of staff.
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Shopping at IWM London
Our shop will be open and customers will be free to browse products as normal. We ask that customers use a hand sanitisation station before and after doing so. We will not be able to accept cash, but you can still pay by card.
Our shops offer a wide range of inspiring and unique gifts, from books, clothing and accessories to vintage posters, homewares, toys and souvenirs, all inspired by our collections and the stories they tell. We are currently cashless at IWM London, so please bring your card or contactless device when you visit. You can also shop online using the link below.
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Our Cafe
Our cafe will remain closed until further notice but light refreshments will be available to buy from the Museum shop.
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Donations
IWM is a registered charity and relies on your support to help us preserve our unique collections for future generations. To help us preserve our collections you can donate with a quick and easy contactless donation, with a credit or debit card by tapping it at various locations around the museums. Alternatively you can donate online now on the link below. Thank you for supporting IWM.
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Filming and photography
You are welcome to take photos and video at our museums for personal, non-commercial use but please refrain from using flash or tripods. Our museums can get busy at times and we therefore ask that you do not film people without their permission. Please observe signage indicating where photography and filming is not permitted.
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Information desk
If you require further information on the day of your visit, please head to our information desk which is located on the ground floor. Our staff will be happy to assist you with your enquiries.
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Lockers and luggage
Unfortunately, we will be unable to provide lockers while the existing coronavirus measures are in place. We request that visitors do not bring large heavy bags or other difficult to carry objects. You can still bring pushchairs to our museums as normal. We will have a buggy park near the locker area at the west entrance of IWM London.
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Floor Plan
To help you plan your visit in advance, please see the below link where you can download a copy of the Floor Plan.