National Army Museum

Army gallery

Uniforms on display in Army gallery

Explore the British Army's origins and purpose, its traits and traditions, and its global impact.

Access

Location:
First Floor Lower Level

Wheelchair access:
Via the main lift

Plan your visit

Army gallery looks at the individuals and events that have brought about the British Army we know today.

Discover the diverse range of people who have served in the army, and find out what gives this 400-year-old institution its unique character.

A wall in Army gallery displaying statistics

Why do we have an army? 

Explore objects from the British Army's origins amid the chaos of civil war like Oliver Cromwell's life-sized portrait.

Inspect the uniforms of some famous faces, from Queen Elizabeth II to Lawrence of Arabia. Uncover the ranks, regiments and roles which make up the army. And even design your own cap badge!

A visitor looks at uniforms in Army gallery

A visitor using the Hounslow Heath interactive
Explore King James II's camp with the Hounslow Heath inteactive.
A family does cap badge rubbings in Army gallery
Design your own cap badge.
The entrance to Army gallery
Explore the origins of the British Army in the turmoil of civil war.
Families play the rank matching game
Can you match the correct insignia to the rank in our rank matching game?
A visitor interacts with a survey screen
Have your say about the British Army's purpose and role in our world today.

Explore further

Plan a visit
Visit

Plan a visit

Discover a fun and interactive space for all the family, revealing true stories of ordinary people with extraordinary responsibilities.

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Galleries
Visit

Galleries

Our five dynamic new galleries showcase thousands of objects from across our collections. Situated over four floors, they tell a huge range of stories from the army's history.

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From the Collection: Army
Online Collection

From the Collection: Army

Explore the objects on display in the Army gallery.

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Lawrence of Arabia, 1919
Story

Lawrence of Arabia: The man behind the robes

Few British soldiers have a greater legend attached to them than TE Lawrence - better known as Lawrence of Arabia.

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West India Colour, c1800
Story

Slaves in redcoats: The West India Regiment

The British Army was the single biggest purchaser of slaves by the end of the 18th century. The soldiers they bought played an integral role defending British territories in the Caribbean.

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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