National Army Museum
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| National Army Museum | |
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| Established | 1953 |
| Location | Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 |
| Visitor figures | 107,576 (2006) [1] |
| Director | Dr Alan Guy |
| Nearest tube station(s) | Sloane Square, Victoria |
| Website | Official website |
The National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. It is located in the Chelsea district of central London, England adjacent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the "Chelsea Pensioners". The National Army Museum is open to the public every day of the year from 10.30am to 5.30pm, except on 24 - 26 December, 1 January, Good Friday, and the early May bank holiday. Admission is free.
There are many museums in the United Kingdom which cover aspects of British Army history, in particular, Regimental museums can be found all over the country. Two well-known army related museums in London are the Imperial War Museum, which focuses on 20th century warfare, including World War I and World War II, and Firepower – The Royal Artillery Museum. However the National Army Museum is designed to tell the overall story of the Army as a whole, explore the lives of those who served with the British Army from both Britain and elsewhere, and explain the impact the British Army has had on shaping the history of Great Britain, Europe and the rest of the world. It also examines the history of the British Army through the ages, from the time of the Norman Conquest to the early 21st century, and the conflicts of today.
The National Army Museum has undertaken a programme of ongoing redevelopment in 2006-07, that will continue for the next few years. This has seen the organisation of the galleries changed and enhanced dramatically.
Contents |
[edit] Galleries
The National Army Museum contains four permanent galleries, which are arranged chronologically, as well as a permanent Art Gallery, and regular temporary exhibitions. The permanent galleries are:
- Making of Britain 1066-1783
- Changing The World 1784-1904
- World Wars 1905-1947
- Fighting For Peace 1947-2007
- The Art Gallery
[edit] Making of Britain 1066-1783
This gallery is designed to explain the story of the making of Britain, and explores foreign invasions, internal conflicts and rebellions, early conflicts with European powers, the first standing Army, the relationship between England, Ireland and Scotland, and the creation of Great Britain as a political entity, as well as the development of the British Army.
This gallery also explores Britains first colonial enterprises, and the role the British Army played in them.
[edit] Changing the World 1784-1904
The Changing the World gallery is focused on Britain's role in shaping modern history in the Imperial Age. It tells the story of the rivalry with other European Imperial powers, the expansion and defence of British trade and political interests, and the creation of the British Empire. The gallery is focused upon the legacy of the Empire upon the world today. Highlights include features on the Napoleonic Wars and the Boer War.
[edit] World Wars 1905-1947
The British Army played a crucial and decisive role in both World Wars. This gallery shows the horrors of both conflicts, and gives a taste of what life in the British Army was like during these global conflicts. It is also designed to highlight the great contribution made to the cause by Britain's colonial forces and allies.
In late 2007 the World Wars gallery will open a special exhibition entitled Faces of War which tells the incredible story of pioneering surgical procedures to repair the horrific facial injuries suffered by men in the First World War.
[edit] Fighting for Peace 1947-2007
Fighting for peace shows the changing emphasis of the British Army in the second half of the twentieth century from guardians of Empire to peace-keepers. Fighting For Peace tells the story of National Service, and the story of the many localised conflicts that occurred with the decline of Europe's colonial possessions, and the role of the Army played throughout those years. This includes Britain's involvement in the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, and the Suez Crisis. It also touches on many more recent conflicts such as in Kosovo the Bosnian War, and the Gulf War. This gallery It also explains the British Army's role in the Cold War, the threat of nuclear war, and the current conflicts Britain is engaged in.
[edit] Art Gallery
The National Army museum's Art Gallery houses many original works of exceptional standard on themes related to British Army history. It contains outstanding examples of dramatic battle scenes and also displays portraiture of many of the men who shaped the Army, and some who are considered national heroes for their contributions to British history. The Art Gallery contains many works of international importance, including the works of early masters such as Jan Wyck, John Wootton, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough and Benjamin West. There are also works by nineteenth century military artists such as Sir Henry Raeburn, Francis Cotes, George Jones, Lady Butler and Richard Caton Woodville, and more recently, Rex Whistler and John Keane.
[edit] Temporary Exhibitions
The museum also regularly stages temporary exhibitions on more specific subjects:
2007-2008: HELMAND: The Soldiers' Story. Built by, written by and contributed to by soldiers of 16 Air Assault Brigade, to tell the story of their experiences fighting in Afghanistan’s troubled Helmand Province.
2007-2008: Faces of Battle. Unseen photography and footage of Britain’s faceless war wounded from the First World War, displayed alongside contemporary uniform sculptures tracing their surgery, rehabilitation and recovery, in a groundbreaking exhibition.
2007-2008: Task Force Falklands: Outnumbered in the air and on the ground, the small task force of British soldiers sent to retake the Falklands were up against the odds. Theirs was the last conflict that Britain fought alone. Their victory changed the outlook of a nation and its international standing. Their victory was Mrs Thatcher’s election victory, theirs the war that, for many in Britain, defined the Eighties.
[edit] Templer Study Centre
The National Army Museum also provides research facilities through it's Templer study centre. Researchers can utilise the facilities and collections of the National Army Museum for private research on campaigns, regiments, personalities and social history of the British Army.
[edit] Kids' Zone
The National Army Museum provides an innovative Kids' Zone to provide a break for children whilst exploring the museum. It is an interactive learning area with a variety of activities and the opportunity to dress up in uniforms.
