Brief
Imperial War Museum shifts focus to recent conflicts to attract younger visitors
The museum says it will highlight the Cold War, Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan to connect with contemporary visitors.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Imperial War Museum (IWM) announced a shift in its exhibitions to feature conflicts closer to the public’s living memory, including the Cold War, Falklands War, Iraq and Afghanistan, as part of a three‑year plan for 2026‑2029. The change follows the February 2025 decision to close the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, which housed over 200 Victoria Cross medals and a smaller number of George Crosses. The museum’s spokesperson said that “telling the stories of the First and Second World Wars is, and will continue to be, at the heart of IWM’s mission” but that the new focus will help “communicate more clearly why IWM matters and how the stories and lessons of conflict that we share remain just as relevant today.”
Key facts
- IWM will showcase recent conflicts such as the Cold War, Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan (dailymail.co.uk)
- The museum closed the Lord Ashcroft Gallery in February 2025 (dailymail.co.uk)
- The closure was to return 200+ Victoria Cross medals to donor Lord Ashcroft (dailymail.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “Imperial War Museum accused of 'turning its back on the past'”
