National Army Museum

The National Army Museum is the British Army's central museum. Visit the Museum and find out how Britain’s past has helped to shape our present and future. Discover the impact the Army has had on the story of Britain, Europe and the world, and see how the actions of a few can affect the futures of many.

The National Army Museum was first conceived in the late 1950s, and owes its existence to the persistent hard work of Field Marshal Sir Gerald Walter Robert Templer, for whom the museum's new study centre is named. The National Army Museum was established by Royal Charter in 1960, with the intention of preserving and exhibiting items related to the history of the forces of British Army, and Commonwealth nations prior to their independence.

Originally the museum was housed in the old riding school of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, but since 1971 the museum has been housed in a purpose built site on Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea. The site that was chosen was previously part of the old infirmary of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and prior to that, had been the location of Walpole House, the residence of Robert Walpole, widely regarded as having been the first Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Over the years the National Army Museum has been able to save collections from smaller museums that have been forced to close such as the Museum of the Middlesex Regiment (the Buffs) and the Museum of Army Transport.

With ten widely different and uniquely versatile rooms, the venue offers the opportunity to embrace British heritage or to develop an individual event character. Home to historic works of art and the latest captivating collections from modern day conflict, the museum offers magnificent galleries, modern spaces and functional meeting rooms, making it an ideal venue.

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Contact details for the National Army Museum tel: 020 7730 0717 (Switch Board), email: [email protected].

The Museum is open daily 10.00am - 5.30pm, except 24 - 26 December & 1 January.

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