Permanent
IWM Duxford
Everyone
Duxford has witnessed some of the most momentous events of twentieth century history. As you explore our preserved airfield – much of it unchanged since the Second World War – you'll stand where RAF and USAAF personnel lived, worked and took part in operations that shaped the course of the war.
Three historic rooms at IWM Duxford have been transformed to reflect how they would have appeared during the Second World War. The new Pilots' Briefing Room, Air Crew Room and Pilots' Locker Room spaces feature immersive recreations, newly acquired collection items and never-before-seen objects. The Operations Block transports you into the focal point of the Battle Of Britain, whilst Life On Base shares the stories of the men and women who served here.
Aircrew Room
Hangar 4: Battle of Britain
Discover the personal stories of pilots from RAF Bomber Command and the US 8th Air Force, like Lonnie Moseley, a P-47 pilot based at Duxford who was shot down over occupied France and escaped back to England, and William Jeffrey Rees, a Bomber Command Pathfinder, who was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Their stories are told here through items on display for the first time, including Moseley's diary, parachute ripcord and false identity papers he used to escape France.
Pilots' Locker Room
Hangar 3: Working Airfield
Once a major hub of activity, the Pilots' Locker Room has been closed to the public until now. This is the space where, 85 years ago, men like George ‘Grumpy’ Unwin of 19 Squadron, and Julian Kowalaski of 302 (Polish) Squadron would have prepared for upcoming sorties in the Battle of Britain.
Hear them chatting about their everyday lives, try on replica RAF uniforms and step closer into their world by examining the personal items they kept in their lockers.
Life On Base
In this historic building, which was the original airfield’s Watch Office, discover Duxford’s history and hear from some of the men and women who lived and served here. This historical building was the original nerve centre of the airfield and is where the Duty Pilot would monitor all aircraft taking off and landing. It’s been restored to look exactly as it would have done in the 1930s.
Get to know Duxford’s people: fighter ‘ace’ Douglas Bader, First World War clerk Muriel Derby and the coal-miner's son who became one of Duxford’s most celebrated fighter pilots.
Through their own words, IWM archive film and historic objects, you’ll hear the stories of some of the thousands of men and women who lived and worked here.
The opening of Pilots' Briefing Room, Air Crew Room and Pilots' Locker Room has been made possible by support from Bloomberg Philanthropies as part of their leadership support of IWM’s new vision for Duxford.
