HQ Function

The IWM London site serves as the flagship museum and the administrative headquarters for the Imperial War Museums network. It houses significant collections, major exhibitions, research facilities, and central operational departments.

Notable Features:

Housed in the former Bethlem Royal Hospital, the building features an iconic dome and classical facade. Key internal features include a dramatic atrium displaying large exhibits like aircraft and tanks, the renowned Holocaust Exhibition, and comprehensive First and Second World War Galleries.

Work Culture:

A mission-driven environment focused on historical preservation, education, public engagement, and remembrance. It fosters collaboration among curators, researchers, educators, and visitor service teams, with a strong emphasis on curatorial expertise, research integrity, and creating impactful visitor experiences. The culture values respect for the subject matter and the diverse stories it represents.

HQ Significance:

As the founding and flagship museum of the IWM network, IWM London holds iconic status. It houses some of the most significant collections related to 20th and 21st-century conflict, serves as the administrative hub, and leads national and international dialogues on war and its impact. Its location in a historic building adds to its cultural importance.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters embodies the IWM's core values of remembrance of sacrifice, commitment to historical accuracy and research, dedication to educating current and future generations about the realities of war, and fostering an understanding of the human cost of conflict.

Location:

While its physical museum sites are located within the United Kingdom, Imperial War Museums maintains a significant global presence and impact. This is achieved through its extensive, internationally accessible digital collections and archives, online learning resources, and international research collaborations. The universal themes of conflict, remembrance, and human experience ensure its exhibitions, research, and stories resonate with audiences worldwide. IWM also engages in international loans of artifacts and occasionally mounts touring exhibitions.

Street Address:

Lambeth Road

City:

London

State/Province:

Greater London

Country:

United Kingdom