Imperial War Museum vs. Churchill War Rooms

While we love the Imperial War Museum, I'd vote for the Churchill War Rooms as having the most impact on your students. Because the idea behind the museum is that it is exactly as it was left, you get the very real sense that "they" ( staff) have just left the room.

That said, how many students will you be guiding? I think the Imperial War Museum would handle bigger numbers. You really can't go wrong with either and both have exhibits that will appeal to your students.

Go, go go, to the imperial war museum !! There has been a total renovation, 2 years plus underway and from the looks of the utube updates, the place will be awesome. We went there just before they dismantled the place and have been waiting for it to reopen since. We loved it, I was enthralled and you won't be disappointed, the kids will love the interactive areas. (Even the food was good). I can't say enough about it, all wonderful. On the other end, Churchill war rooms.......ok.....not kid friendly as much, not interactive, walk through, good, but not the way kids like it. We havnt been back to London since they close the museum for the Reno, but we will go, for that alone. Love the history...

Faith,

If possible I'd suggest visiting both sites but if you have time for only one, the Imperial War Museum would definitely be my recommendation. It's a much larger facility and will provide a broader view of many aspects of the various wars and the human cost of these. While the Churchill War Rooms are fascinating, their focus is more limited.

If you decide to visit the IWM, it would be a good idea to allow at least four hours, as it's on multiple floors and there's a lot to see. If you have a large group, it might be worthwhile to contact them as they may be able to streamline the entry and ticket purchase.

Another interesting site is HMS Belfast, which is moored on the Thames.

I had to laugh at one vote for CWR, one vote for IWM, and 1 vote for both! We are supposed to be helping Faith to decide, lol. I haven't been to either recently so can't help, sorry.

I think they are both great, both maximum stars world class.

The Imperial War Museum is certainly a bit less convenient if you are at Buck House. Just a gentle stroll through St James's Park (and its exotic wild bird collection) and you are right at Churchill War Rooms.

We enjoyed both very much. It would help if the students have some background on Churchill, such as a film , before they go to the War Room so they can "feel" Churchill's presence. The Imperial is a more student friendly experience with historic tableaus of both WW I & WII...plus lots of weaponry, etc. An extra bonus is the museum is on site of Bethleham Hospital for the Insane, or Bedlam as it was popularly known.

I'd. vote for the Churchill War Rooms because it much more maneageable for a short visit. I had minimal knowledge of WWII the first time that I visited and I came away with a real appreciation of the work that occurred there during the War. The audioguide is well done. Plus, it is conveniently located near other sights.

I haven't been to the IWM since the renovation, but it is huge. When I have visited, I've focused on specific sections or special exhibits. I'm not sure that I would have appreciated it in high school. It would have probably been overwhelming to me.

Most are worth a visit. But I have been to the IWM twice over the years and would readily go back whereas, were I to return to London, I would not go back to the War Rooms. I think students would enjoy more the IWM, which is much more spacious and has so much more to see.

Imperial War museum! Have been there twice with middle schoolers and late high school age- a hit with both. Cwr will not hold their interest or attention imo

Faith,
You specifically mentioned you might need to take into account which is easier to get to from the Buckingham Palace area.
The Churchill War Rooms are much easier to get to from the Buckingham Palace neighborhood.
Because this is an issue for you, suggest you use a map to familiarize yourself with the location of the Imperial War Museum, which is in or near the Lambeth (on the other side of the river), so that you can make a decision that takes the proximity to Buckingham Palace area into account.

Thank you so much, all, for the great information and opinions. I had to laugh at Mike's post, which was accurate- a lot of votes for each!
I think we are going to go to the Imperial War Museum, and will research the geography in advance. I also love the fact that the IWM is located on the old Bedlam grounds. Does anyone know if there is a plaque or memorial for Bedlam on the grounds?

We have an amazing trip planned, and although we don't have a lot of time in London, I think we'll be able to get a good idea of what we want to see/visit on our return trip.
Thanks again for all of the expert opinions and ideas!
Faith

Faith,

The IWM will probably be a more "visually interesting" site to visit with a group of students, with many interesting displays including Tanks and Aircraft.

I did the CWR last year and the IWM 5 years ago, before the remodel. The CWR was kind of a disappointing, to be honest. It was pretty much just "Shuffle through, listen to your audio guide and take a few photos." The history of it is great, but if I could only pick one, I'd probably do IWM again.

As for transportation, the IWM is only about 2 blocks from the Lambeth North underground station; pretty easy to get to.