Founded in 1960, the National Army Museum (NAM) is a leading authority on the British Army and its impact on society past and present. Having secured significant funding in excess of £23 million, including more than £1 million from the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF), the museum closed for three years to undertake an ambitious and radical transformation of the Collection, reopening in 2017.
HM The Queen at the re-opening of the National Army Museum with Paul Taylor, CEO of FCC Environment UK
National Army Museum new atrium
National Army Museum Gallery
National Army Museum visitors viewing exhibits
Army Facts and Figures
National Army Museum Lawrence of Arabia uniform
National Army Museum Battle of Marengo
Officer viewing army uniforms
National Army Museum Rapier anti aircraft system
National Army Museum Society Gallery Entrance
| EB and Project Number | 566176/7107, 7234, 7345 | LCF Funding | £1,096,000 |
| Project Postcode | SW3 4HT | Total Project Cost | £1,096,000 |
| Object | D | Wider Project Cost | £23,750,000 |
LCF project objectives
The project revolutionized the visitor experience through the redevelopment of the existing building and the provision of new permanent galleries, temporary exhibition spaces, learning spaces and improved visitor facilities, with the aim of increasing visitor numbers to 400,000 by 2021.
The new museum was updated for 21st Century audiences, bringing new ideas and innovation to encourage more people to visit and learn about the British Army.
FCC Communities Foundation (then known as WREN) contributed funding to three separate elements of the Building for the Future project:
- A new glass fronted extension at the entrance of the Museum;
- The Society Gallery; and
- The Soldier Gallery
Project details and outcomes
The new glass fronted extension at the entrance of the museum created new visitor facilities such as the welcome desk, toilets, cloakroom, buggy park and seating, plus improvements to the outside space including seating and landscaping. The new architectural layout also replaced space consuming, difficult to access stairways with ramps and new through lifts.
The Society Gallery - this gallery examines the sometimes complex relationship between the Army and society and how the perception of the Army has evolved over time. It is a key space for capturing audience input and engaging visitors through the latest digital and audio-visual equipment.
The Soldier Gallery places the soldier on the centre stage, introducing visitors to the ordinary individuals who sometimes perform extraordinary acts. The gallery addresses the two questions most visitors seek answers to - how it feels to be a soldier and what it is like to fight. It takes visitors on the journey of the extraordinary civilian transforming into a soldier, with rich, thought-provoking and emotive content.
Justin Maciejewski DSO MBE, Director, The National Army Museum, said:
"The new National Army Museum is a bright, contemporary space where visitors of all ages can learn about the British Army past and present. It represents infrastructure fit for the 21st century and a canvass on which to tell Our Army's story giving the visitor a window into the historic soul of Our Army. The galleries provide a stunning space to explore and discuss the army and its role in creating and shaping the world and country we live in today and its continued relevance in protecting us and defending our vital interests for the benefit of all society. The team at The National Army Museum are excited to welcome visitors from the United Kingdom and from the world to come and explore this story with us in our new Chelsea Museum."