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.
Parent and child looking at objects in Formation gallery

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.

Events and workshops

View all events
Battle of Bossenden Wood, 31 May 1838
Talk
31 Jul 2026 Free

Mad Tom’s Rising

Join Ian Breckon as he explores the life of the self-styled Sir William Courtenay and how his uprising led to the last battle fought on English soil.

Fraternisation at Malta. Highlander and French Infantry soldier, c1854
Museum Late
3 Sep 2026 £25.00

Foes, Friends, Allies: The Story of the Anglo-French Alliance

Join our experts for an evening of talks discussing the past, present and future of the relationship between Great Britain and France.

'The Sceptic Isle' book cover
Talk
4 Sep 2026 Free

The Sceptic Isle

Professor Steven Casey examines how propaganda, politics and military history shaped British public opinion during the Second World War.

Ten things to do at the Museum

Whether you’re on a solo mission or bringing the troops, we’ve got something for everyone to enjoy.

Challenger tank outside the National Army Museum
Gallery tour
Tour
28-29 Jul 2026 Free

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.

Family taking part in a craft workshop
Workshop
30-31 Jul 2026 Free

Heroic Headwear

Get stuck into our interactive hat-making workshop this summer and create your own iconic Army headwear.

Children attending a family tour
Tour
4-5 Aug 2026 Free

Marching Orders: Marvellous Medicine

Grab your scrubs, wash your hands and delve into the world of Army medicine on this interactive family tour.

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