• 10.00am - 5.30pm
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London
National Army Museum
  • 10.00am - 5.30pm
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London
Chelsea History Festival 2023

26 September - 1 October 2023

Chelsea History Festival

Chelsea History Festival is back for its fifth year, offering an immersive line-up of events on a historic stage. Discover a vibrant programme of walking tours, free open days, family-friendly activities and world-renowned speakers.

Book your tickets
Lynx helicopter on display in the Atrium

Plan your day at the National Army Museum

Free entry

The National Army Museum and its exhibitions are free for everyone, with no need to book in advance. Our galleries have recently undergone an exciting refresh, so there are plenty of new objects to see.

Plan a visit
Virtual events

Events on demand

Missed any of the conversations and debates we've been streaming over recent months? Catch up online at any time. Guests have included bestselling authors and historians, as well as serving Army personnel.

Coming soon at the National Army Museum

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'The British Army: A New Short History' book cover
Talk

29 September 2023, 12.00pm

FREE

The British Army: A New Short History

As part of this year's Chelsea History Festival, Ian Beckett offers a fascinating view on the British Army from its inception to the modern day.

find out more
The Battle of the Alma, 20 September 1854
Talk

6 October 2023, 12.00pm

FREE

Art of the Crimean War

Join Professor Meaghan Clarke as she examines some of the art inspired by the Crimean War, 170 years after the outbreak of the conflict.

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Grenadier Guards coatee, c1846
Tour

6 October 2023, 2.00pm

£5.00

Curator Tour: Uniform of the Crimean War

Join Mel Price, one of our curators, as she highlights a range of uniforms worn by British soldiers during the Crimean War.

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Become a member
Support us

Become a member

Enjoy exclusive and discounted access to events, subscription to 'Muster' magazine, free entry to exhibitions, including members-only curatorial tours, and a 15% discount in the Café and Shop.

Join today

Featured stories

'Dawn of Waterloo', by Lady Elizabeth Butler, 1895
Story

Dawn of Waterloo

This oil painting is one of the highlights of our Conflict in Europe gallery. Details revealed during four months of specialist conservation have enhanced our understanding of the artist, Lady Butler, and her empathy for the ordinary soldier.

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Installing a First World War rum jar in the Conflict in Europe gallery
Story

Mudbound: Conserving an Army rum jar

One of the items in our Conflict in Europe gallery is a rum jar unearthed from the trenches of the Western Front. Before going on display, it raised some interesting ethical questions on how to deal with dirt.

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German aerial incendiary bomb, c1917
Story

Bombs over Britain

This aerial bomb's banged-up condition reveals something of the impact it must have made when dropped from a German airship during the First World War. Today, it forms part of an impressive display of weaponry in our Conflict in Europe gallery.

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Foe to Friend exhibition poster

Germany

Exhibition

Foe to Friend: The British Army in Germany since 1945

More than a million British soldiers have lived and served in Germany over the past 75 years. Follow their evolution from conquerors and occupiers to allies and friends in our free exhibition.

Visit the exhibition
Story

The Army and the occupation of Germany

In May 1945, following the defeat of Nazi Germany, British troops began occupying and administering a ruined country.

Story

Active Edge: The Army, Germany and the Cold War

Growing tension between East and West soon evolved into the Cold War, prompting a more defensive role for those garrisoned in West Germany.

More things to do

Cookhouse Café
Visit

The Café

The Cookhouse Café is a perfect place to meet, eat and drink. We serve the best whole-leaf tea and hand roasted coffee, together with tasty, seasonal food.

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Play Base
Families

Play Base

Play Base is an immersive experience for children aged 8 or under, offering a variety of fun and engaging activities including our soft play area.

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The Shop
Visit

The Shop

The Shop offers carefully chosen ranges for both adults and children, inspired by the National Army Museum's collections.

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‘The German offensive. British guns going forward’, 1918

First World War

Microsite

First World War in Focus

Discover the national and global impact of the First World War and hear the stories of men and women whose lives were affected by the conflict.

Visit the microsite
Story

Second Lieutenant Noel Evans

A collection of letters and photographs reveals the story of 19-year-old Second Lieutenant Noel Evans and the tragic timing of his death on the morning the Armistice was signed.

Story

Peace and commemoration

After the Armistice in November 1918, millions of soldiers hoped to be home soon. But demobilisation was a huge task. How best to mark the victory and commemorate the fallen was also hotly debated.

Join the conversation

"First time @NAM_London today. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thought the presentation & interpretation made the subject accessible..."

National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HT
Registered Charity Number: 237902