Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Allow plenty of time, as this powerful museum—with lots of artifacts and video
clips—can be engrossing. The highlights are the new WWI galleries (renovated to com-
memorate the 100-year anniversary of that conflict) and the WWII area, the “Secret War”
section, and the Holocaust exhibit. War wonks love the place, as do general history buffs
who enjoy patiently reading displays. For the rest, there are enough interactive experien-
ces and multimedia exhibits and submarines for the kids to climb in to keep it interesting.
The museum (which sits in an inviting park equipped with an equally inviting café)
is housed in what had been the Royal Bethlam Hospital. Also known as “the Bedlam
asylum,” the place was so wild that it gave the world a new word for chaos. Back in
Victorian times, locals—without reality shows and YouTube—paid admission to visit the
asylum on weekends for entertainment.
Cost and Hours:
Free, daily 10:00-18:00, last entry 17:45, special exhibits extra, au-
dioguide-
£
3.50, guided tours usually Sat-Sun at 11:30 and 13:30—confirm at info desk,
Tube: Lambeth North or Elephant and Castle; buses #3, #12, and #159 come here from
Westminster area; tel. 020/7416-5000,
www.iwm.org.uk
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