Seen What’s Inside The Imperial War Museum?

This is a sponsored article on behalf of the Imperial War Museum.

You’re probably familiar with the Imperial War Museum’s facade, with its gorgeous copper dome and formidable naval guns, set within a south London park… but have you ever been inside?

The free museum is packed with things to see and do across five floors, from personal stories and objects including letters, medals and toys, to exhibitions and videos — all telling the stories of ordinary people’s experiences of war. It covers the First and Second World Wars, and conflicts that have happened since. Take a look:

Think it’s all planes and guns? Think again — history sits alongside culture and art. With so much to see, it’s hard to know where to look (though you can’t miss the planes suspended from the ceiling!).

IWM London displays many artworks and holds regular exhibitions and events too. Right now, London itself is in the spotlight, in Beauty and Destruction: Wartime London in Art, a free exhibition telling the story of London during the Second World War, as witnessed by artists.

Take a break at the on site café, and browse the museum shops, including a bookstore. It’s recommended you leave at least three hours for your visit. Or pop back again, to view it in smaller chunks — it’s free to visit, so you can return as many times as you like. And if you’re just here for the planes and the tanks? That’s perfectly fine too!

IWM London is located close to Waterloo, Lambeth North and Elephant and Castle stations, and on plenty of bus routes. Free, no booking required.