Transforming the Imperial War Museum of London

In June 2012 I visited the excellent Imperial War Museum in London. As you enter the main doors you are immediately within the Grand Atrium, the impressive centrepiece of the museum jam-packed with aircraft, tanks, weaponry and people.

Imperial War Museum London Grand Atrium — Grand Atrium

Focke-Wulf FW-190 A-8 IWM London — Focke-Wulf FW-190 A-8

Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 IWM London UK — Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8

Sopwitrh Camel IWM London UK — Sopwith Camel

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I North American P-51D Mustang Grand Atrium IWM London — Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I & North American P-51D Mustang

Grand Atrium IWM London June 2012 — Grand Atrium – June 2012

Recently I was quite surprised to see some photos of an almost empty Grand Atrium!

Empty Grand Atrium December 2012 IWM London UK — Grand Atrium – December 2012 (source: IWM London)

Imperial War Museum London Grand Atrium Empty December 2012 — Grand Atrium – December 2012

IWM London Spitfire Mk.I Moving Dec 2012 — Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I on the move – December 2012

It turns out the museum is about to close for a six month major renovation (from January 1st, 2013). This will actually be the first stage of a 10 year plan to totally transform the museum with a new atrium and added galleries (costing £35 million, of which they have already raised £20 million!). Although the current museum is relatively small they have an incredible collection of military history. I can only imagine how impressive it is going to be when they can include so many more items from World War One to the present day!