First World War Centenary

2014 - 2018 marks the centenary of the First World War, a landmark anniversary for Britain and the world. IWM (Imperial War Museums) will mark the centenary by leading a vibrant, four-year programme of cultural activities across the country, including the opening of brand new First World War galleries at IWM London in 2014 and a major special exhibition at IWM North. For more information visit www.iwm.org.uk

Centenary Wall

More than 16 million people died in the First World War, and IWM is asking the public to remember them by lighting a light on the Centenary Wall. Their lights and names will appear on the wall in the galleries at IWM London. By signing up, users will be marking their commitment to remembering the First World War and joining the centenary now. Soon IWM will be asking them to help uncover millions of life stories, transcribe thousands of letters and diaries, and tag some of IWM’s one million First World War photographs. Light your light from 11.11.11 at www.1914.org/wall

IWM

IWM (Imperial War Museums) tells the story of people who have lived, fought and died in conflicts involving Britain and the Commonwealth since the First World War.

Our unique Collections, made up of the everyday and the exceptional, reveal stories of people, places, ideas and events. Using these, we tell vivid personal stories and create powerful physical experiences across our five museums that reflect the realities of war as both a destructive and creative force. We challenge people to look at conflict from different perspectives, enriching their understanding of the causes, course and consequences of war and its impact on people’s lives.

IWM’s five branches are IWM London, IWM’s flagship branch with six floors of exhibitions and displays; IWM North, housed in an iconic award-winning building designed by Daniel Libeskind; IWM Duxford, a world renowned aviation museum and Britain's best preserved wartime airfield; Churchill War Rooms, housed in Churchill’s secret headquarters below Whitehall; and the Second World War cruiser HMS Belfast.