Justin Maciejewski DSO MBE to conclude eight-year tenure as Museum Director

3 August 2026

The National Army Museum today announced that its Director, Justin Maciejewski, is stepping down after more than eight years in the role. His departure follows a successful period marked by institutional renewal and growth for the Museum.

During his tenure, Justin has led an ambitious programme of renewal that strengthened the visitor experience and the Museum’s national and international profile, reaffirming its role as the national home of the Army’s history and heritage.

Central to this work was the comprehensive refresh of the Museum’s permanent galleries. Developed in response to visitor feedback, the programme introduced new interpretation, objects and stories and created more engaging ways for audiences to explore how the Army shaped our world past and present.

The Museum has strengthened its reputation for exhibitions, research and public programmes under Justin’s leadership, welcomed growing numbers of visitors and developed new partnerships in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Most recently, the Museum announced a landmark long-term partnership with the Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection. This will bring the world’s largest collection of Victoria Crosses and George Crosses to Chelsea where extraordinary stories of courage can be shared alongside the Museum’s own nationally important collections.

Justin has championed the Museum's role at the heart of Chelsea's cultural life. One of his proudest achievements has been fostering collaboration across the borough. Under his leadership, the Chelsea History Festival, launched in 2019, has become an established annual fixture, bringing leading historians, authors, broadcasters and audiences together to explore history and its relevance today.

He went on to help establish the Chelsea Heritage Quarter, bringing together the National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Chelsea, Chelsea Physic Garden and Cadogan in a partnership that has strengthened Chelsea's reputation as a destination for culture, history and learning, while demonstrating the value of long-term cultural collaboration.

The Museum has continued to grow its international reach during Justin’s tenure. In January 2026, the Museum hosted President Karol Nawrocki of Poland for a meeting with representatives of the Polish community in the United Kingdom. During the ceremony, Justin was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland in recognition of his outstanding service to the Polish community in the United Kingdom and his work promoting Polish history, culture and national traditions. The President also presented him with the flag of the Republic of Poland.

Alongside this, Justin has played a pivotal role in shaping the Museum's long-term future. During his tenure, plans have been developed to expand the Museum's current site, creating an opportunity for a new gallery, learning, theatre and public spaces that would significantly enhance the Museum's offer and support its future growth. He has helped establish the vision, build the partnerships and lay the foundations for this important next phase of the Museum's development.

Lieutenant General Sir Simon Mayall KBE CB, Chair of the National Army Museum, said:

'On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank Justin for his outstanding leadership of the National Army Museum over the past eight years. His commitment to the Museum and its mission has been unwavering, and he has guided the organisation with energy, ambition and a deep belief in the importance of telling the story of Our Army, and the stories of the soldiers who serve, and who have served. The National Army Museum seeks to commemorate, celebrate and inspire, and Justin can be immensely proud of what has been achieved and of the legacy he leaves behind. We are all enormously grateful for everything he has contributed during his time as Director.'

Justin Maciejewski said:

'It has been a profound privilege to serve as Director of the National Army Museum for over eight years, the longest appointment of my career and one that has brought a deep and enduring sense of purpose.

'During that time, I have had the good fortune to work alongside an outstanding team and dedicated trustees, whose expertise, commitment and professionalism have made the Museum’s achievements possible.

'Together, we have renewed the galleries, developed important new partnerships and strengthened the Museum’s place in the cultural life of the nation. I am particularly proud of the Chelsea History Festival and Chelsea Heritage Quarter, which demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations work together to share great history in an area with such strong and enduring military connections.

'Our mission, to engage and inspire everyone with the stories of our soldiers and how their service shapes our world, past, present and future, remains as important as ever and has been a constant source of meaning throughout my time here.

'The Museum enters its next chapter from a position of strength, with an exceptional team, internationally significant collections and ambitious plans for the future. I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive in the years ahead.'