Press Releases

IWM Duxford set to unveil new historic Second World War spaces featuring never-before-seen collection items and providing a glimpse into the life of a pilot at RAF Duxford.

IWM has partnered with world renowned retailer and design house, Liberty, to explore the importance of creative endeavour during periods of war and conflict.

This autumn, IWM North will mark the 80th anniversary of the meeting of the Pan-African Congress, held in Manchester on 15 October 1945, with a new and immersive and innovative Big Picture Show. 

Opening at IWM London, Emergency Exits: The Fight for Independence in Malaya, Kenya and Cyprus (17 October 2025 – 29 March 2026, IWM London) will look at how the Second World War helped sow the seeds of this this complex and often-overlooked chapter of history, with millions of people in British Empire countries fighting to shape a new and independent future.

IWM invites visitors to venture into the secret world of espionage this winter with the arrival of blockbuster exhibition Spies, Lies and Deception at IWM North (29th November 2025 - 31 August 2026).

Eighty years after the Second World War finally came to an end with the surrender of Japan, IWM will explore the momentous events that led to the culmination of the most devastating conflict in global history through a programme of public film screenings, digital experiences and artist commissions.

IWM is inviting members of the public to share stories and memorabilia relating to South Asian experiences of serving in and living through the Second World War, including former members of the Armed Forces and civilians of undivided India.

IWM has opened the UK’s first major exhibition dedicated to highlighting sexual violence in conflict at IWM London. Six years in the making, Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict (23 May to 2 November 2025) aims to shed light on the pervasive and devastating nature of sexual violence in conflict, a topic that remains under-discussed.

The next phase of Transforming IWM Duxford is due to commence next month, with the expert Conservation team carrying out over 100 object movements - one of the most challenging and logistically complex projects in recent years.

Taking place between 24 February – 6 June 2025, the Conservation team will be preparing AirSpace for its long-term future as a dedicated and permanent exhibition on Cold War and Contemporary Conflict. 

This International Women’s Day, Imperial War Museums (IWM) announces full details of the UK’s first major exhibition dedicated to highlighting sexual violence in conflict. Six years in the making, Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict will open at IWM London from 23 May to 2 November 2025. This free exhibition aims to shed light on the pervasive and devasting nature of sexual violence in conflict, a topic that remains under-discussed.

Imperial War Museums (IWM) and DCMS are inviting schoolchildren and young people across the UK to learn about the Second World War, by delving into their own family history to discover the letters sent by their relatives to loved ones.

Letters to Loved Ones will bring together first-hand testimonies of those who were there, including soldiers on the front line; men, women and children on the home front; or relatives who contributed to Britain’s war effort from British Empire and Commonwealth countries.

IWM North invites visitors to discover ‘Outrageous Women: Marriage, Religion and Culture: Stories told by the Desi Grannies, a new display created by a Manchester-based group of Indian Punjabi women known as the Desi Grannies, exploring their perspectives on family, marriage, religion, and the role of women within their culture.