Imperial War Museum North

IWM (Imperial War Museum North) was designed to enhance the stories within and give visitors a multisensory experience of war. We tell the powerful stories of over a century of war, from the First World War to today and makes full use of our extraordinary exhibition space to deliver an award-winning immersive experience.

A visit to IWM North is a unique experience, as the very building itself is designed to enhance your experience. The route into the museum is purposefully confusing, there is a distinct lack of right angles and no natural light in the Main Exhibition Space which aims to show visitors the unsettling nature of war. We run a Big Picture Show in the Main Exhibition Space on the hour which is a fully immersive experience for visitors.

Our Bookings Team can tailor your visit to your needs. You can visit us on a self-guided option where you can make use of our online resources and free gallery guides. Or you can book a Learning Session to supplement your visit. Choose what session is right for your class as we have options for upper Key Stage 2 – Key Stage 4 studying History, English, Religious Studies or Citizenship.

We can cater for any group size but we might ask you to stagger your arrival and lunch times if you have a particularly large group. Learning Sessions can cater for 30-60 students at a time, depending on the activity you choose.

We have a number of Learning Resources available for free online here: https://www.iwm.org.uk/learning/resources

We have trails and gallery guides for both KS2 and KS3 available for free here: https://www.iwm.org.uk/learning/sessions/activity-trails-iwm-north

You are welcome to take photos and video for personal, non-commercial use. Please avoid the use of flash and tripods, and taking photos or filming people without permission. Please observe signage indicating where photography and filming is not permitted.

Teachers are advised to carry out a preliminary visit in advance of their school trip in order to conduct their own risk assessment. Check out our Risk Identification guide to help you: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north/groups/schools/risk-identification

Bookings: LearningNorth@iwm.org.uk

Visits to IWM North are free. Learning Sessions range from £75-125

N/A although we would advise you dress in usual school attire.

Our front of house Security Team can assist you on your visit. Please find the nearest member of staff and they will be able to assist you.

• Shop
• Toilets
• Lunch Room (booking essential)
• Bag room for leaving heavy items and bags

We are committed to ensuring IWM North is accessible to all visitors, and hope the facilities we have introduced enhance your visit: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north/access

10am to 5pm every day.

Closed 24, 25 & 26 December.

Testimonials:

“The session helped the pupils to think analytically and not just about history but about diversity, British values and life learning. They are now more aware of what is going on in the world and their place in it.” – Key Stage 2 Teacher booking a We Were There session.

“An incredible way for students to learn. The opportunity to explore, be creative, make choices, voice their thoughts and do so with the rigidness of having to know an examiners mark scheme. Teachers crave being able to support students in learning this way. A wonderful experience!” – Key Stage 3 Teacher, Documentary Challenge session.

“A thoroughly 21st century learning event which genuinely helps to develop historical and deeper understanding of the past.” – Key Stage 3 Teacher

Please take a look at our school bookings Terms and Conditions: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north/groups/booking/termsandconditions