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Imperial
War Museum Web Site |
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The
subject matter is such that most people are either interested or
turned off. If the thought of a visit to a museum of warfare and
the military half appeals then this museum is world class.
It doesn't glorify war, and certainly covers all aspects including
the human and civilian side of warfare.
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You
will probably need all day to do the museum justice. The displays
are imaginatively presented, mostly presented in a factual non patriotic
manner, tackling difficult subjects like the holocaust.
The terms of reference of the museum cover both world wars and all
military operations in which Britain or the Commonwealth have been
involved since August 1914.
The entrance hall with the obligatory tanks, planes and submarines
displayed. This dramatic gallery houses over 50 of the Museum’s
most historically significant large exhibits including an American
P51 Mustang and a Battle of Britain Spitfire, a M4 Sherman tank and
the German V2 rocket
The core of the museum is a serious of themed displays with the accent
on education. Subject matter clearly is heavily weighted towards that
with British involvement, but will be of interest to others. Most
of the displays are presented in a modern, imaginative manner and
the museum itself is well kept and presented.
A typical section is the submarines exhibit - 15 different hands-on
activities show how a Second World War submarine worked and what it
was like to live on board. Try out a submariner’s bunk; learn
how to control a submarine as it dives; view ships through a periscope;
detect underwater sounds on a hydrophone; climb into a mock-up of
a conning tower; and operate an escape chamber.
A world class museum with free entry - what more could you want !
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| Admission
Charges |
Free
entry.
Free guided tours of the galleries exploring some of the highlights
of the Museum's collection are available every weekend.
Tours begin at 11.30am and 1.30pm every Saturday and Sunday. |
Opening Times
: 10:00
to 18:00
Getting
There
Underground: Lambeth North
The Imperial War Museum is situated in Lambeth about a mile from Westminster
in a residential area that otherwise would have no attraction for
the visitor.
Despite the fact that the museum is first rate and free it is seldom
crowded. There is a pleasant park area outside the museum where you
can take a break. The cafeteria in the museum is comparatively small
and there is no shops etc. in the immediate vicinity outside.
The nearest
Underground, Lambeth North is a 10 minute walk away but clearly signposted.
If you come by bus ask the driver/conductor to tell you where to get
off. The museum is on a one way system, coming out of London traffic
doesn't pass immediately in front of the museum. Returning, the bus
stop is right outside. |
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