My brother really does enjoy museums. After taking a look at the Science Museum, he wanted to see a more war focused museum. A friend suggested the Imperial War Museum, which really hit the spot when it came to exactly what he wanted to check out. With Dann in tow, we went off into London to explore this museum.
Lots to see and read
It’s worth noting that the Imperial War Museum takes more time to make it through, as the museum has a lot more reading to do than other museums we’ve been too. The well laid out areas showcase different time periods in war, walking you through what happened, different major points and explaining different sides. Dann mentioned a lot of this was what he learned in school here in England, while we didn’t go this much into depth of wars in America. Following through the first wing, there was so much to see; interactive points like an old football-inspired game that taught children what trenches were, jackets and hats that were warn in war, showing how heavy these objects where and even some physical trenches you could walk through, with shadows of others on it. There was even a simulation game that allowed you to pick strategies to fight off submarines getting sunk. Everyday objects used around the time of the war like gas masks and different guns were on display, as were posters and advertisements that encouraged women to help in the workforce or men from different countries to join the war. We walked quite slowly around these areas, sucking everything in. You could learn basically everything about World War I and World War II in this museum.
There were many, many different plane parts, tanks, cars, bombs and so much more if you are interested in seeing those in real life. Large planes decorate the entrance, hanging right in the air. Suits, outfits, civilian clothing, toys all dot around, showing what was around during the war. There was just so much to see.
Culture Under Attack
One of the new exhibitions that was featured in the Imperial War Museum was Culture Under Attack, which showcased various lost aspects of culture through war. The first area was What Remains. Through giant posters, you’re able to view different significant statues and buildings that were destroyed through war. War crimes when it comes to destroying buildings and culture was explained, as well as the fact that significant buildings are targeted often in war. The aim of this exhibition seemed to be to provoke individuals to think about how valuable culture is. At either side of the exhibition, there was a big monitor that asked simple questions, where you could hit either yes or no and then see what the majority of museum visitors said. This was then followed by a quote that spoke about the question. Questions like ‘Should individuals die to save art?’ or ‘Should buildings be restored to their original likeness after war?’ brought home the messages that we should be understanding and allowed us time to reflect on what we thought.
We also took a look at Rebel Sounds, another new exhibition under the Culture Under Attack area. This showcased music and musicians that risked their lives in times of war. The rooms are fulled with music, blasting loudly and on display over the walls. There are also records and various memorabilia, but the main showcase of this exhibition is sitting in one of the benches and putting on headphones. You’ll hear the same music that’s playing out loud around you, but with the musician’s voice interrupting it, overplayed, explaining why they had created this music and how they felt it was worth the risks. At the end of this room, there was a similar question box, this time asking questions about the worth of music.
Holocaust
The very last area we took a look into was one that you cannot take any pictures of. This was the Holocaust area of the Imperial War Museum. It’s very large, telling the story of so many different individuals who were apart of the Holocaust or who died in the Holocaust. I grew up in a household that didn’t quite believe in the Holocaust, so in high school, I took a dedicated class on it, to understand more about what happened. I had not ever been to a museum or a part of a museum dedicated to showcasing the effects and what happened during the Holocaust. With that said, this area of the Imperial War Museum is one that felt very intense. There is tons to read, loads of information to gain and various places where you can just listen to people who were there or who were apart of the end of the Holocaust and hear what they had to say. A very touching exhibition indeed, including a case of shoes that were taken from individuals and various toys from those who hid.
A very educational day out
You could spend a very long time at the Imperial War Museum, especially if you are interested in reading each and every board. The museum is so well presented and laid out – everything made in a smooth way giving people a path to follow through so much to see. Everywhere you looked was big items or interactive areas, or just simply more to read about what was around you. Though this museum isn’t ideal for younger children, it’s a very good experience for teenagers or older who are interested in what has happened to the world we live in today. The Imperial War Museum is free to enter, so there is no reason people shouldn’t check it out.
You can check out our other Days Out to see what else we’ve been up too!