The Imperial War Museum (IWM) is a museum in London that tells the story of modern war and conflict, with a focus on the people who lived through them. It was founded in 1917 during World War I, and moved to its present location in Lambeth in 1936. The museum underwent a major refurbishment in the early 21st century, reopening in 2014 with new galleries and interactive exhibits.
The museum's collections cover a wide range of conflicts, from World War I to the present day. They include tanks, artillery, aircraft, and other military equipment, as well as personal items and stories from people who have experienced war firsthand. The museum also has extensive archives, including photographs, film footage, and documents, that researchers can access to learn more about the history of war.
Among the most popular exhibits at the museum are the World War I trench experience, which recreates the conditions of a trench on the Western Front, and the Holocaust exhibition, which tells the story of the Nazi persecution of Jews and other groups during World War II. The museum also has galleries on conflicts in the Falklands, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as a large collection of art inspired by war.
In addition to its collections, the museum also hosts a range of events and activities for visitors, including talks, tours, and family-friendly workshops. The museum is open every day of the year except December 24-26. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.