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Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria

This major exhibition of rarely seen artworks illuminates shifting attitudes towards soldiers and the Army during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837 – 1901).

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Coming events at the National Army Museum

Mr Bill Krepper, late of the Pioneer Corps, leaves the demobilisation clothing depot at Olympia, London, as a civilian, wearing his demob suit, July 1945
Talk
22 Aug 2025

Demob Suits: One Uniform for Another?

Join Dr Danielle Sprecher as she examines the production and provision of civilian clothing for British servicemen demobilised after the Second World War.

A disabled British veteran of the Napoleonic Wars, c1812
Talk
29 Aug 2025

Searching for Shadrack Byfield

Join Dr Eamonn O’Keeffe as he explores the War of 1812 through the eyewitness account of a disabled British veteran of the conflict.

‘Patient Heroes’, a Royal Horse Artillery gun team in action, 1882
Tour
30 Aug 2025 £2.00

Victorian Art: BSL Tour

Follow expert guide Edward Richards on a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of our new exhibition ‘Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria’.

On This Day: 1945

Story

Victory over Japan

On 15 August 1945, the British government broadcast news of Japan’s unconditional surrender. This date was declared Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) and people from all walks of life celebrated the official end of the Second World War.

Story

On This Day: August 1945

In August 1945, Britain celebrated Victory over Japan. Yet, with local conflicts erupting across Asia and tremendous problems to tackle in Europe, the Army’s work was far from done.

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Victory: May–August 1945

In the summer of 1945, the Second World War came to an end. After Victory in Europe was declared in May, the final surrender of Japan was secured by mid-August. But the British Army’s work was far from over.

More things to do

Visit

The Café

The Café is a perfect place to meet, eat and drink. We serve the best whole-leaf tea and hand roasted coffee, together with tasty, seasonal food.

Families

Play Base

Enjoy a variety of fun and engaging activities at Play Base, our immersive soft-play experience for children aged 8 or under.

Visit

The Shop

The Shop offers carefully chosen ranges for both adults and children, inspired by the National Army Museum's collections.