About Imperial War Museum London
Five museums in one (London, North, Duxford, HMS Belfast, Churchill War Rooms), the IWM tells the story of conflict involving Britain and the Commonwealth from WWI onward.
Founded in 1917, Imperial War Museum London has been welcoming visitors for over 109 years. Today it draws approximately 1,100,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited history & civilization museums in the world. Located in London, United Kingdom, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 17,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Imperial War Museum London ranks #154
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #154 in our composite ranking, Imperial War Museum London represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Free entry.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3 hours, planning your route through Imperial War Museum London is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Atrium of weaponry (Spitfire, V-2)
- ◆Holocaust Galleries
- ◆Second World War Galleries
- ◆Free entry
Recognition & awards
Imperial War Museum London has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–18:00. Free.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Imperial War Museum London is located in London, United Kingdom at coordinates 51.4959°N, -0.1086°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Imperial War Museum London
Imperial War Museum London was established in 1917, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in London. With 1,100,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United Kingdom's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important history & civilization museums in the Europe region.
Other top history & civilization museums
If you enjoy history & civilization museums like Imperial War Museum London, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #37Smithsonian National Museum of American HistoryWashington, United States
- #38Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureWashington, United States
- #48Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque & MuseumIstanbul, Turkey
- #68National Museum of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
- #87Vasa MuseumStockholm, Sweden
More museums in London
London is home to 15 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Imperial War Museum London with these nearby institutions:
- #4British Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #12Tate Modern🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #14National Gallery🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #17Natural History Museum🦖 Natural History
- #41Victoria and Albert Museum🪑 Design & Decorative
- #42Science Museum🔬 Science & Industry
- #65Tate Britain🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #155Churchill War Rooms🏛️ History & Civilization
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Imperial War Museum London?
Daily 10:00–18:00. Free. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Imperial War Museum London?
Most visitors recommend spending 3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Imperial War Museum London located?
Imperial War Museum London is located in London, United Kingdom. The exact coordinates are 51.4959°, -0.1086°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Imperial War Museum London known for?
Britain's military history. Key highlights include Atrium of weaponry (Spitfire, V-2), Holocaust Galleries, Second World War Galleries. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 17,000 reviews.
How many people visit Imperial War Museum London each year?
Imperial War Museum London receives approximately 1,100,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United Kingdom.
When was Imperial War Museum London founded?
Imperial War Museum London was founded in 1917, making it 109 years old. It is categorised as a history & civilization museum in our directory.
