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.

Events and workshops

Study of a wounded Guardsman, Crimea, c1854
Talk
4 Jul 2025

Myth and Reality: The Victorian Soldier in Art

Join Susan Ward, the lead curator of our new major exhibition on Victorian military art, as she discusses the representation of soldiers in the late 19th century.

Detail from the painting ' A Welcome Arrival, 1855'
Tour
4 Jul 2025 £15.00

Exhibition Tour: Myth and Reality

Enjoy a guided tour of our new major exhibition, ‘Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria’, with lead curator Susan Ward.

'Ops Normal' book cover
Talk
11 Jul 2025

Ops Normal: The Operational History of the Army Air Corps

Join former Army Air Corps officers John Greenacre and Mike Peters as they introduce their new authorised history of the unit’s operations.

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

Family fun

Children on a family tour
Tour
23 Jul 2025 – 25 Jul 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.

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.

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.

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