Imperial War Museums London presents the experience and consequences of modern conflict through objects, testimony, and personal stories. Its building was formerly Bethlem Royal Hospital, while the museum’s founding purpose was to record the First World War’s impact on people and society.
Guide preview
The museum began during the First World War, in 1917, with a purpose broader than preserving weapons: to record the experiences of people affected by the conflict. That idea shapes a visit to IWM London, where objects are placed alongside personal stories and the consequences of war for civilians and service personnel.
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UpgradeQuick facts
- Imperial War Museums was founded in 1917 during the First World War.
- Its founding purpose included recording the war’s effects on people and society.
- The IWM London building formerly housed Bethlem Royal Hospital.
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