National Army Museum
Royal Hospital Road
London
Greater London
SW3 4HT
England
Website
National Army Museum website
PR & Marketing
Hospitality
Education
General information
Telephone
PR, Marketing & Hospitality
020 7730 0717 x2535
Education
020 7730 0717 x2560
Reading Room
020 7730 0717 x2222
Fax
020 7823 6573
Discover the lives, legends and legacies of the men and women who have served in the British Army. Find out about some of the most remarkable episodes in Britain's history. We'll show you just how soldiers have lived and fought from the Battle of Agincourt right up to the modern day.
Venue Type:
Museum, Archive
Additional info
The National Army Museum’s Templer Study Centre offers visitors an unrivalled opportunity to explore in depth the campaigns, personalities and social history of the British Army.
Seating 15 Readers, the Centre offers access to the Museum’s collections of regimental and campaign histories, archives, photographs, prints and drawings, providing a rich picture of soldiers’ daily lives through the ages. Visitors can also draw upon the expertise of the Study Centre curatorial staff.
Users must be 16+. Entry is free. Visitors should bring two forms of identification with them.
Opening Hours 10am - 5.30pm Wedensdays, Thursdays, Fridays and the first and third Saturday of every month (except public holidays).
Collection details
Weapons and War, Social History, Photography, Fine Art, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles, Coins and Medals, Archives
Key artists and exhibits
- Visit the National Army Museum and find out how Britain's past has helped to shape our present and our future. Discover the impact our Army has had on the story of Britain, Europe and the world, and see how the actions of a few can affect the futures of many.
- See portraits by Reynolds and Gainsborough, a lamp used by Florence Nightingale and even the skeleton of Napoleon’s horse!
Britain's Greatest Generals
Exploring over 400 years of Britain's battles, from Culloden to Rorke’s Drift, this exhibition examines the key facts, impact and legacies of the 20 top British battles chosen by our curators. It targets how tactics, luck and innovations have helped the British Army scoop victory and where it found its fiercest challenges, opponents and bitterest triumphs
Suitable for
- Any age
The World's Army – Empire, Commonwealth and Dominion Soldiers
Explore the lives of people from around the world involved in the First and Second World Wars and the great advance made in technologies of warfare in our family interactive zone
Suitable for
- Any age
World Wars, 1905-1945
This gallery explores the role of the British Commonwealth's civilian armies and their defence of democracy during the First and Second World Wars, the era of 'Total War'
Suitable for
- Any age
Changing the World 1784-1904
This gallery examines the British Army's role in the expansion and defence of British trade, political interest, and empire, and its effect on the shape of Britain and the world today
Suitable for
- Any age
Conflicts of Interest
This major new gallery examines over four decades of action on the world stage by the modern British Army. Looking beyond the media headlines, it explores the conflicting interests of enforcing peace through a violent means, balancing global security with the needs of vulnerable communities and the demands of the job on the personal lives of our troops
Suitable for
- Any age
The Making of Britain Display
From foreign invasion to contests for the crown, from civil war at home to rebellion in the Colonies, this gallery investigates the Army's role in creating and defending the nation state of Great Britain we know today
Suitable for
- Any age
Kids' Zone
This colourful children's play area explores aspects of army life from camping to clothing and includes a dedicated soft-play space for babies, plus arts and crafts, dressing-up costumes, books, interactive toys and panels. At the heart of the new Kids' Zone are the six key principals of Early Years Foundation Stages, ensuring that children are learning whilst having fun. There are exciting objects from the Museum's Collection on display with lots of interactive models for children to touch and explore
Suitable for
- 0-4
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 5-6
Korea 1950 - 53: The Cold War's Hot War at the National Army Museum
Marking the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, this new display examines the role of the British Army during the first and only UN war to date. Mixing personal objects and artefacts from the Museum's Collection with contemporary media reports, the display will explore both the personal experience of soldiers and the far-reaching legacy of the conflict.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
Free
Kids' Zone
Discover the Museum’s new soft-play area, with forest and arctic themed climbing frames for kids to scale, slide and run through. This colourful children's play area explores aspects of army life from camping to clothing and includes a dedicated soft-play space for babies, plus arts and crafts, dressing-up costumes, books, interactive toys and panels
Suitable for
- Any age
Changing the World 1784 – 1904
Examining the British Army's role in expansion and defence of British trade, political interest, and empire, and its effect on the shape of Britain and the world today
Suitable for
- Any age
Conflicts of Interest
Looking beyond the media headlines, explore the conflicting interests of enforcing peace through a violent means, balancing global security with the needs of vulnerable communities and the demands of the job on the personal lives of our troops
Suitable for
- Any age
Korea 1950 – 53: The Cold War's Hot War
Examine the role of the British Army during the first and only UN war to date. Mixing personal objects and artefacts from the Museum's collection with contemporary media reports
Suitable for
- Any age
National Service Display
Explore the contribution of Britain's post-war national service conscripts as they moved from civilian to soldier. Personal stories of endless drilling and grueling inspections are contrasted with detail on how such a range of difficult commitments sent these young men to far-flung corners of the world
Suitable for
- Any age
The Making of Britain Display
Investigate the Army's role in creating and defending the nation state of Great Britain we know today
Suitable for
- Any age
The World's Army – Empire, Commonwealth and Dominion Soldiers
Explore the lives of people from around the world involved in the First and Second World Wars and the great advance made in technologies of warfare in our family interactive zone
Suitable for
- Any age
Victorian Soldier Action Zone
Are you a drummer boy, an infantryman or a cavalry officer? Find out in the Museum's interactive Victorian Action Zone. Quizzes, games and hands-on activities help you learn about life as a Victorian Soldier and the part they played in the shaping of Britain’s Empire
Suitable for
- Any age
World Wars, 1905-1945
Explore the role of the British Commonwealth's civilian armies and their defence of democracy during the First and Second World Wars, the era of 'Total War'
Suitable for
- Any age
Conflicts of Interest at the National Army Museum
This major new gallery examines over four decades of action on the World stage by the modern British Army. Looking beyond the media headlines, it explores the conflicting interests of enforcing peace through a violent means, balancing global security with the needs of vulnerable communities and the demands of the job on the lives of the personal lives of our troops.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
Free
Spies & Spymasters Michael Smith, Sinclair McKay, Sarah Helm, and more...
Hidden deep within the daily workings of government is a secret world of mystery, danger, and intrigue. World history has been shaped by the dramatic exploits of those men, women, and organisations devoted to the hazardous tasks and undercover missions that are part of a spy's life.
Join us as we delve into the extraordinary history of British intelligence and lift the veil of secrecy on a world few ever see or know exists.
Suitable for
When
10:30am-5:30pm
Admission
Ticket Prices: Standard: £15.00, Concession: £12.50
Spies and Spymasters
Hidden deep within the daily workings of government is a secret world of mystery, danger, and intrigue. World history has been shaped by the dramatic exploits of those men, women, and organisations devoted to the hazardous tasks and undercover missions that are part of a spy's life. Delve into the extraordinary history of British intelligence and lift the veil of secrecy on a world few ever see or know exists
Suitable for
- 18+
When
10:30am-5:30pm
Admission
Visit http://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on for details
Toy Soldier Weekend
Fascinating collections of military models. Enjoy recreations of key events that the British Army has been involved in and meet curators to discover the story behind the Museum's own rarely-seen model collection
Suitable for
- Any age
When
10:30am-4:30pm
100 Days to Victory: How the First World War Was Won
Employing the latest ideas and scholarship, author Saul David will explore the history of the First World War from a new angle and will reveal the key part played by non-British and non-white soldiers on the Somme and elsewhere
Suitable for
- 18+
When
From 7pm
Admission
Visit http://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on for full details
100 Days to Victory: How the First World War Was Won
Employing the latest ideas and scholarship, author Saul David will explore the history of the First World War from a new angle and will reveal the key part played by non-British and non-white soldiers on the Somme and elsewhere.
Suitable for
When
7-8:30pm
Admission
Ticket Prices
Standard: £10.00
Concession: £7.51
Special Forces
From the daring Commando raids of the Second World War to the explosive emergence of the SAS during the Iranian embassy siege, Britain’s Special Forces are known for their adventurous and secretive exploits.
Often using covert hit-and-run operations involving small numbers of highly skilled men, those who partake in Special Forces operations know that their goals involve a high level of risk.
Join leading authors, historians and soldiers as we explore the remarkable stories of those who have served with some of Britain's most elite Special Forces units
Suitable for
- 18+
When
10:30am-5:30pm
Admission
£15/£12.50. Visit http://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on for details
Special Forces
From the daring Commando raids of the Second World War to the explosive emergence of the SAS during the Iranian embassy siege, Britain’s Special Forces are known for their adventurous and secretive exploits.
Often using covert hit-and-run operations involving small numbers of highly skilled men, those who partake in Special Forces operations know that their goals involve a high level of risk.
Join leading authors, historians and soldiers as we explore the remarkable stories of those who have served with some of Britain’s most elite Special Forces units.
Suitable for
When
10:30am-5:30pm
Admission
Ticket Prices: Standard: £15.00, Concession: £12.51
Peter Snow - When Britain Burned the White House: The 1814 Invasion of Washington
In August 1814 the United States' army is defeated in battle by an invading force just outside Washington DC. The US president and his wife have just enough time to pack their belongings and escape from the White House before the invaders enter. After tucking into the deserted presidential dinner, they then set fire to the place.
Drawing on a wealth of material, Peter Snow recounts the fast-changing fortunes of both sides of this extraordinary confrontation
Suitable for
- 18+
When
From 7pm
Admission
Visit http://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on for full details
When Britain Burned the White House: The 1814 Invasion of Washington
In August 1814 the United States’ army is defeated in battle by an invading force just outside Washington DC. The US president and his wife have just enough time to pack their belongings and escape from the White House before the invaders enter. After tucking into the deserted presidential dinner, they then set fire to the place.
Drawing on a wealth of material, Peter Snow recounts the fast-changing fortunes of both sides of this extraordinary confrontation.
Suitable for
When
7-8:30pm
Admission
Ticket Prices
Standard: £10.00
Concession: £7.52
Big Blitz Jive
Get into the swing as the National Army Museum presents its annual 1940s themed jive event. Brush up on your footwork with the professional dance instructors from the London Swing Dance Society, enjoy a '40s style makeover and take away a souvenir photograph of the evening
Suitable for
- Any age
When
From 7:30pm
Admission
£7.50-£15
If the Invader Comes...
This day of hands-on activities will give you and all the family a taster of life in the Home Guard, take part in drill, have a go at putting out fires, learn about unexploded bombs and marvel as the gun and searchlight teams scan the skies for danger
Suitable for
- Any age
When
10:30am-4:30pm
Fighting on the Home Front: The Legacy of Women in World War One
In l914 the world changed forever. When the First World War broke out, and a generation of men went off to fight, women emerged from the shadows of their domestic lives. Becoming a visible force in public life, they began to take up essential roles - from transport to policing, munitions to sport, entertainment and even politics. Former BBC Chief News Correspondent and bestselling author Kate Adie will chart the seismic move towards equal rights with men that began a century ago and asks what these women achieved for future generations
Suitable for
- 18+
When
From 7pm
Admission
Visit http://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on for details
Fighting on the Home Front: The Legacy of Women in World War One
In 1914 the world changed forever. When the First World War broke out, and a generation of men went off to fight, women emerged from the shadows of their domestic lives. Becoming a visible force in public life, they began to take up essential roles - from transport to policing, munitions to sport, entertainment and even politics.
Former BBC Chief News Correspondent and bestselling author Kate Adie will chart the seismic move towards equal rights with men that began a century ago and asks what these women achieved for future generations.
Suitable for
- 18+
- 16-17
When
7-8:30pm
Admission
Ticket Prices
Standard: £10.00
Concession: £7.53
Catastrophe: 1914 Europe Goes to War
1914 was the year that Europe violently shifted from the glories and glamour of the Edwardian era to the tragedy of war.
Bestselling author Max Hastings will examine the formative sacrifices, follies and misfortunes that left Europe facing a horrific pattern of attrition.
Suitable for
When
7-8:30pm
Admission
Ticket Prices
Standard: £10.00
Concession: £7.54
Max Hastings - Catastrophe: 1914 Europe Goes to War
1914 was the year that Europe violently shifted from the glories and glamour of the Edwardian era to the tragedy of war. Bestselling author Max Hastings will examine the formative sacrifices, follies and misfortunes that left Europe facing a horrific pattern of attrition
Suitable for
- 18+
When
From 7:30pm
Admission
Visit http://www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on for details
Gurkha Food Festival
The cultural and geographic diversities of Nepal provide a variety of unique cuisines with flavourful, rich and aromatically spiced dishes. Treat your taste buds to the unmistakable flavours of Nepal
Suitable for
- Any age
When
10:30am-4:30pm
Getting there
The National Army Museum is situated on Royal Hospital Road, directly next door to the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Rail
Victoria Station is a 20-minute walk from the Museum. You can find London Rail maps on the Transport for London website.
Tube
Sloane Square (Circle and District Lines) is a 10-minute walk from the Museum. You can find London Tube maps on the Transport for London website.
Bus
Several bus routes stop within walking distance of the Museum:
Routes 11, 19, 22, 211 and 319 (King's Road)
Routes C1, 137 and 360 (Chelsea Bridge Road)
Route 170 (Royal Hospital Road, stops directly in front of the Museum)
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