Four women sit in chairs listening to reports through headsets, with two other people standing in the room near them.
IWM CH 1404
WAAF telephone operators in the Operations Room at RAF Duxford, receiving reports of enemy aircraft plots from Observer Corps posts, September 1940.

IWM shares the human stories behind conflict through powerful exhibitions, immersive events and learning programmes. 

By leaving a gift in your will, you’ll help us continue sharing the stories that matter, for generations to come. Every legacy, no matter the size, leaves a lasting impact.

Unrestricted legacy donations give IWM the flexibility to direct your support where it’s needed most 

They help IWM care for the 33 million items in the collection - from precious personal letters and powerful films, to works of art and historic aircraft. 

They also support the upkeep of our museums, allowing millions of visitors to connect with history and understand how conflict has shaped the world. 

As a charity, we depend on the generosity of legacy supporters to preserve and share the personal histories of conflict.

Why leave a legacy to IWM?

Three pilots dressed in uniform stand in front of an aircraft, having a conversation.
IWM CH 1456
Three Spitfire pilots discuss an aerial combat at Fowlmere, September 1940.

Some people who leave a legacy are inspired by their family histories or their own personal experiences of conflict. Others love history and have fond memories of their visits to IWM's five museums.

Catherine and Ian Benson, who have pledged a legacy to IWM, said:  "When we made our wills recently, we both felt we wanted to help IWM continue its world‐leading role in telling the stories of the past, and preserving the wonderful collections within its family of museums. As the generations that actually experienced the world wars pass away, it feels more important than ever that IWM finds new ways of teaching and informing future generations about conflict.

"We feel that, in leaving a legacy to IWM, we are playing a part in not only helping the charity in its future work, but also saying a ‘thank you’ for enriching our own lives over the years."

The late Laura Renfree generously left a legacy gift in memory of her father, the late Colonel Thomas James Renfree SM. Discover more about Colonel Renfree's extraordinary life of service. 

How to include IWM in your will

Any gift we receive, no matter the size, makes a vital contribution to our ongoing work. Including a legacy gift to IWM in your will is straightforward, gifts can be a specified sum or a proportion of your residuary estate.

When referencing IWM you do not need to quote a charity number as the Imperial War Museum is an exempt charity under the terms of the Charities Act 2011 Schedule 3 paragraphs 23 and 28(1). As such we do not have a Charity Registration Number.

As part of our membership with Remember A Charity we've teamed up with The Co-operative Legal Services, a national provider of Wills and other legal services, offering our supporters 20% off their Will Writing Services. 

We understand looking after your loved ones is your priority and in accessing the services IWM’s membership of Remember A Charity offers, there is no obligation to leave a gift to IWM, but we are grateful to you for considering it. 

If you would like more information, or to discuss leaving a gift to IWM in your will, please email: [email protected]. 

This information is not intended to constitute legal advice, when making your will please do so in consultation with an independent professional adviser.

Useful information

If you would like a copy of our codicil form, please email: [email protected].

  • A volunteer talks to young visitors to Imperial War Museums

    Already left us a gift?

    If you’ve remembered IWM in your Will, please take a few minutes to let us know by emailing us at: [email protected] or call 020 7091 3191.

    You will be invited to join the 1917 Society, — a warm and welcoming community of supporters who share a deep connection to our work.

    Members enjoy exclusive invitations to special events and a closer relationship with IWM.

  • IWM’s Project Conservator treating a SWW flying helmet in the conservation lab
    © IWM

    Want to know more about the difference you can make?

    If you are considering leaving a gift in your will to IWM and would like more information, we would love to hear from you. All enquiries are obligation-free and treated in strictest confidence. 

    Please email our Development Team: [email protected] or call 020 7091 3191.

  • Help writing your Will with Remember a Charity

    We're proud to be a member of Remember a Charity, an organisation that provides support with Will writing and unbiased information on leaving a gift in your will.  

    On their website you can find a local, qualified solicitor or Will writer to help you write your Will.