The museum
Mission of this museum
"To interpret and communicate the objects in the Museum’s
care in ways which inspire, provide enjoyment and provoke questions from
diverse
audiences".
The National Army Museum’s purpose is to explain the impact that
the British Army has had on the character of Britain, Europe and the
world. A visit to our website or Museum will show you how the actions
of a few can affect the futures of many, and how Britain’s past
has helped to shape the world – the world today and in the future.
The NAM has always offered its exhibitions, galleries, and a public events
programme to the public free of charge. It communicates the importance
of the history and heritage of the British Army through its contribution
to the delivery of the National Curriculum and life long learning, to
the education and inspiration of servicemen and women, and in explaining
to the widest audience the importance of the role the Army plays in the
global community. An important aspect of the Museum’s work is to
support the remembrance of those who have lived and died in the service
of the nation.
Why is the history of the British Army relevant to me today ?
The British Army played a decisive role in the creation of the nation
state of Great Britain, as we recognise it today. Our army is not called
the Royal Army (unlike the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force) because, after
a historic struggle between Parliament and monarchy, the British Army
has always been answerable to Parliament and the British people. If you
live in Britain today the actions of the British Army have affected the
culture, traditions, government and laws of the society you live in now,
and, on a global scale, are continuing to do so today.
Well before the last battle was fought by our Army on British soil, British
trade interests developed globally, first in India and the American colonies,
and then, after the loss of America, across the rest of the world. Her
global interests brought Britain into direct conflict with France, whose
ideological revolution and the imperial ambitions of Napoleon threatened
the peace and independence of much of Europe. Concerned to maintain a ‘balance
of power’ among the nations of Europe so that her trade interests
could continue uninterrupted, the British Army was instrumental in overcoming
tyranny and establishing peace in the continent.
Later in the nineteenth century British trade interest inched into imperial
design. With the Army, British culture, traditions, language and values
were exported across the globe, and global influences were brought back
to Britain. As the world descended into two catastrophic world wars Britain
and many of the countries associated politically, militarily or culturally
with her fought for their shared values. Their victory in world war assured
the independence of our own and many other nations. Wherever you are
from, the actions of the British Army – and the many nations who
have fought within it - have helped to shape the world we live in today.
Today, the British Army is operational in over 80 countries across the
globe, and its actions continue to impact the world now and into the
future.
The galleries are the following:
• The
Making of Britain, 1066 -1783
From foreign invasion to contests for the crown, civil war, rebellion
in the realm and revolution in the Colonies, the Army’s role
in creating the nation state of Great Britain, as we recognise it
today.
• Changing the World, 1784 – 1904
From enterprise to empire, the British Army’s role in the expansion and
defence of British trade, political interest, and empire, and its effect on the
shape of Britain and the world today.
• World Wars, 1905-1945
From across the world, Britain’s civilian armies and their defence of democracy
during the First and Second World Wars.
• Fighting for Peace, 1946-2006
Britain’s army and the use of arms to enforce peace – from National
Service and the handover of empire to Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Iraq. |
The Imperial War Museum is also a major national art gallery, a national
records archive and a research centre.
Much is on display but the Museum is unique in the degree of access
it offers to its reserve collections. Professional and private visitors
are welcome to study 'behind the scenes' and the Museum deals with
over
80.000 enquiries each year. Over 120 people work in the Collections
Division, helping to acquire, catalogue, conserve and correctly store
or display
the items.
You
may contact museum authorities there.
The official website
of the National Army Museum stands here.
Location information
The museum is located
here:
Royal Hospital Road
Chelsea, SW3 4HT
Nearest underground station: District or Circle Line to Sloane Square
Opening Hours : Every Day 10.00am-5.30pm
Admission is free
Personal photography and filming inside
the museum is not permitted.
