An unmissable day out

See, hear and experience the story of the Army

Uncover the bigger picture of how the Army has shaped our world and lives, from its origins to the present day.

Plan your visit

An average visit is 2-3 hours, but our dynamic galleries showcase thousands of objects that can keep you exploring all day.

A one-hour visit

  • T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, played a significant role in the First World War. This made him a legend and cultural icon. See his robes and dagger while exploring the Global Role gallery.
  • Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes served in the Women’s Royal Army Corps. See her Army running gear in Soldier gallery.
  • Lay your eyes on the skeleton of Napoleon’s horse, Marengo, in the Conflict in Europe gallery.
  • Make sure to pop into the Café for a hot drink before you go.
Visitors looking at a large painting in the Atrium

A two-hour visit

  • Get a better sense of the front-line experience by visiting the action theatre in Soldier gallery and immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of battle.
  • Discover a lantern used by Florence Nightingale during her military hospital rounds in the Conflict in Europe gallery.
  • See a panoramic scroll depicting soldiers from across the Empire taking part in King George VI's coronation procession in the Army at Home gallery.
  • Take a break in the Café or make a stop at the Shop before continuing on with your day.

A half-day visit

  • Every Friday lunchtime, you can join an expert for a deep dive into a different aspect of the Army and its history.
  • Learn more about Army organisation and insignia with our ranks and regiments touchscreen in Formation gallery. 
  • See if you have the parade-ground discipline to be a soldier by impressing our virtual drill sergeant in Soldier gallery.
  • Interact with the Siborne Model in the Conflict in Europe gallery and uncover the events that took place at the Battle of Waterloo.

Family fun

Children taking part in an interactive gallery tour
Tour
13 Aug 2025 – 15 Aug 2025

Marching Orders: VJ Day Tour

Join us on this family-friendly gallery tour as we explore some of the events in the Far East that brought an end to the Second World War.

Children on a family tour
Tour
26 Aug 2025 – 29 Aug 2025

Marching Orders: Admirable Artwork

Join us on a family-friendly gallery tour as we admire some of the paintings on display and uncover their stories.

Ten things to do at the Museum

Whether you’re a history lover or someone who just likes to visit museums, we’ve got something for you to enjoy.

Challenger tank outside the National Army Museum

Events and workshops

'1945: The Reckoning' book cover
Talk
15 Aug 2025

1945: The Reckoning

To mark VJ Day, join author and filmmaker Phil Craig as he explores some of the geopolitical implications of the Allied victory in the Second World War.

Mr Bill Krepper, late of the Pioneer Corps, leaves the demobilisation clothing depot at Olympia, London, as a civilian, wearing his demob suit, July 1945
Talk
22 Aug 2025

Demob Suits: One Uniform for Another?

Join Dr Danielle Sprecher as she examines the production and provision of civilian clothing for British servicemen demobilised after the Second World War.

A disabled British veteran of the Napoleonic Wars, c1812
Talk
29 Aug 2025

Searching for Shadrack Byfield

Join Dr Eamonn O’Keeffe as he explores the War of 1812 through the eyewitness account of a disabled British veteran of the conflict.

Visitor information

Opening times

Mon: Closed

Tue–Sun: 10.00am–5.30pm

Getting here

Sloane Square is a 10-minute walk

Victoria is a 20-minute walk

170 route stops outside the Museum

Ormonde Gate is the nearest docking station

Battersea Power Station Pier is a 15-minute walk

Map