IWM
Imperial War Museum London destination film
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Stories to Inspire

Spend family time learning together at IWM London. Learn about the global impact of conflict from the First World War to today in our permanent galleries and the extraordinary human stories behind the objects on display.

Family Activities

Girl and man using a telescope
IWM

Enjoy free self-guided adventure trails exploring our collection, and fun-packed family activities every weekend and daily during the school holidays.

Activities are suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years.

So much to see and do

  • First World War rat facing the camera, against a dark background
    IWM

    First World War Galleries

    Step into the First World War Trench and discover what life was like for soldiers.

  • Two children, with their parents behind them look through the door of a Second World War Anderson Shelter, made of corrugated metal.
    © IWM

    Second World War Galleries

    Discover how families protected themselves in Anderson shelters during air raids.

  • IWM London Atrium - Spitfire
    © IWM 2010.285.1

    Witnesses to War

    See some of the biggest objects on display in our iconic atrium.

  • Front cover of Explore! A kid's guide to IWM London
    © IWM

    Explore! A Kids Guide to IWM London

    Our guidebook highlights the most family-friendly content to see in each gallery and is packed full of fun facts and activities.

  • BAFP Galleries

    Blavatnik Art, Film and Photography Galleries

    See era-defining art that showcases the experiences and innovations of artists, filmmakers and photographers.

  • British soldiers and their families standing in front of a plane during the Berlin Blockade 1949
    © IWM BER 49-144-024

    Tracing your Family History

    Use our guides to track down the right documents and begin uncovering your family’s wartime story.

Beauty and Destruction: Wartime London in Art

A mother and her two daughters look at a large map of London printed on a wall.
© IWM

20 March to 1 November 2026

A free exhibition that tells the story of London during the Second World War, as seen by artists. Families can enjoy a child-friendly ‘stamper’ trail and activity sheet that encourages children to spot details, ask questions and engage with the artworks.

Exhibitions

Childhood in War

Toy soldiers against a pink background.
31 July 2026 to 28 February 2027
IWM London

Childhood in War is a free, interactive exhibition exploring how children have experienced conflict from 1914 to the present day. Let their unique perspective show you their adaptability and resilience, despite extraordinary and challenging circumstances.

Practical information

Download a map of IWM London (PDF, 682 KB). Beauty and Destruction and Childhood in War are located on Level 3 in the ‘Special Exhibition’ spaces.

  • Nice external image of IWM London

    Getting here

    • Address: IWM London, Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ
    • What3Words: ///fluid.bulb.rear
    • Nearest London Underground and rail stations: Lambeth North, Elephant and Castle and Waterloo
    • There is no general car parking at IWM London. There are a limited number of designated blue badge parking spaces which must be reserved at least three days in advance.
  • A cozy café interior with tiled walls, arched windows, and hanging lights. Displays of cakes, sandwiches, and drinks create a welcoming, inviting atmosphere.
    © IWM

    Eating and drinking

    • Inspired by traditional East London eateries, the IWM London café serves freshly prepared hot and cold seasonal dishes, cakes and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks  
    • The café is located off the main atrium, and open from 10am to 5:30pm daily
    • The IWM London lunchroom is available to all visitors on weekends from 10am to 5:30pm. It offers a space to sit, rest and bring in food and beverages from home.  
    • The lunchroom is located Level 1, past the exit of the Second World War Galleries, at the end of the corridor.
  • IWM London

    Accessibility

    • The West Entrance has step-free access for families attending with younger children and babies 
    • Once you are inside the museum, it is entirely accessible through lifts and ramps 
    • Free sensory backpacks and ear defenders can be borrowed from the Information Desk on Level 0 
    • Baby change facilities are located on all floors  
    • Small lockers are available by the North and West Entrances. Require a refundable £1 coin.