During my trip to the Other Partizan 2024 wargaming convention in Newark, I took the opportunity to visit one of the world’s most renowned military museums—the Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London. As a wargamer with a deep interest in historical conflicts, it felt like a pilgrimage of sorts. The IWM isn’t just a museum; it’s an immersive exploration of warfare and its impact on society, a place where history, strategy, and personal stories collide.
A Grand Entrance
Stepping through the gates of the Imperial War Museum London, you’re immediately greeted by two enormous 15-inch naval guns, originally from HMS Ramillies and HMS Resolution. These imposing behemoths, once mounted on British battleships, set the tone for what’s inside—an overwhelming display of military power and human resilience.
The museum is housed in the former Bethlem Royal Hospital, and the grand neoclassical façade hides an interior packed with artifacts from conflicts spanning the early 20th century to the present day.
The Heart of the Museum: The Atrium
The central atrium is where the museum truly makes an impression. As soon as I walked in, my eyes were drawn upward to a Supermarine Spitfire suspended from the ceiling, an aircraft that needs no introduction to wargamers and history buffs alike. Just below it, a Harrier Jump Jet and a German V-2 rocket provided an impressive display of 20th-century technological advancements in warfare.
But for me, the standout was the British Mark V tank, one of the iconic behemoths of World War I, standing proudly as a testament to the first major use of armored warfare. Seeing this up close, with its riveted steel plates and lumbering frame, brought a new appreciation for the models we paint and push across the tabletop.
The First World War Galleries
As someone interested in Blood & Valor, I was particularly drawn to the First World War galleries. This section is brilliantly curated, offering a mix of personal artifacts, uniforms, dioramas, and immersive multimedia experiences.
One of the highlights was the trench recreation, which gives visitors a chillingly realistic sense of what life was like on the Western Front. Walking through the dimly lit passage, surrounded by sandbags, barbed wire, and eerie sound effects, I couldn’t help but think of my own attempts to recreate similar battlefields in miniature. The displays of Lee-Enfield rifles, Webley revolvers, and German Mauser rifles were particularly interesting from a wargaming perspective, offering ideas for equipping squads in Blood & Valor scenarios.
World War II and Beyond
The Second World War galleries feature everything from Montgomery’s beret to a chilling collection of Nazi propaganda, a stark reminder of the ideological battles that defined the era.
One of the standout exhibits was the Enigma machine, which always fascinates me—not just for its impact on the war but also for its place in wargaming. Seeing the real machine in person, alongside an explanation of the codebreaking efforts at Bletchley Park, made me reflect on the mechanics of secrecy, intelligence, and deception in games like Bolt Action and Chain of Command.
The post-1945 exhibits, covering the Cold War, Falklands, Iraq, and Afghanistan, provided a more contemporary perspective on warfare. The section on the Vietnam War, while relatively small, was of particular interest given my ongoing efforts to build a 28mm Vietnam collection for future wargaming.
Adding Some History to the Games Room
Before leaving, I couldn’t resist visiting the museum’s gift shop, which turned out to be a treasure trove of inspiration. Among the many books and artifacts, I picked up a bunch of World War II propaganda prints to decorate our games room back home. From classic British “Keep Calm and Carry On” posters to American recruitment artwork and stark Soviet imagery, these pieces will not only add some character to the space but also serve as a constant source of wargaming inspiration.
A Wargamer’s Takeaway
What struck me most about the Imperial War Museum was the balance between grand military artifacts and deeply personal stories. The museum doesn’t just celebrate military might—it forces visitors to confront the realities of war, from its strategic implications to its human cost.
For a wargamer, visiting the IWM is an invaluable experience. Seeing real-world tanks, aircraft, and weapons up close adds a level of authenticity and appreciation that no amount of rulebook research or model-building can replicate. The museum also offers plenty of inspiration for scenario design, historical campaign ideas, and even terrain-building.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ever in London, whether as a tourist or as part of a Partizan or Salute trip, a visit to the Imperial War Museum London is well worth the time. It’s an essential stop for anyone passionate about military history, wargaming, or simply understanding the deeper narratives behind the battles we so often re-fight in miniature.
With my head full of ideas for future games, my phone packed with reference photos, and a roll of newly acquired wartime propaganda art under my arm, I left the museum energized for more historical wargaming. Now, back to painting my Blood & Valor force and finishing up my 28mm Vietnam jungle terrain…