The Friends of the Imperial War Museum aim to give support to the Museum in every possible way by offering voluntary assistance, by promoting events and by making financial grants for specific projects and acquisitions.
Founded in 1917, the Imperial War Museum has since that time recorded the contribution of the peoples of Britain and the
Commonwealth to wars and conflicts through the 20th century. Every man, woman and child has contributed, however obscurely, to the pattern of life in that century, many sadly making the supreme sacrifice. Family participation and history are readily available and displayed in a dynamic way at the five branches.
The Museum has a commitment to assist with children's education in accordance with the National Curriculum, and to
provide an adult education programme. Special children's and students' events are organised throughout the year.
Give thanks now to all those who made today possible and support the Friends in their endeavours to promote the knowledge of these centres of excellence. Learn from the experience of the Past by participating in
the Present.
Join the Friends and enjoy these personal privileges!
Free admission
In addition to the public free admission to the branches in London and the North, the Friends have free admission to the Cabinet War Rooms
and HMS Belfast in London, and Imperial War Museum Duxford, near Cambridge, with the exception of special events at Duxford.
Despatches
The illustrated 48-page magazine of the society of Friends is issued three times a year. Contents include specially commissioned articles by distinguished writers, accounts of historic events, personal reminiscences, art and literature, book and video reviews. The magazine provides details of Friends' activities and forthcoming events, exclusive to Friends and Museum staff.
Annual General Meeting
Following this occasion, which is an opportunity for Friends to meet, a distinguished personality gives a talk, followed by a reception.
Special events
Special events are organised for your enlightenment, which provide opportunities to visit institutions and places not usually available to the public and meet personalities who have interesting encounters to share with you. This programme of events is exclusive to members, published in each issue of the magazine Despatches. In addition, lectures and film shows are arranged, and also coach tours to various venues.
Private views
Friends are invited to view each of the permanent and temporary exhibitions at all the branches, before public opening. Temporary exhibitions may be charged to the public.
Behind the scenes
Three times a year Friends have the opportunity of visiting various Departments not open to the public. The Head of the Department gives a talk and rare objects in the archives are put on exhibition.
What's On
A calendar of events throughout the year published by the Museum is mailed free to all members.
Veterans' Reunions
Occasionally Reunions of Veterans commemorating a particular event are held at the branches, to which Friends are invited.
Discounts
- Museum Shops: books, videos, CDs, souvenir gifts and toys, guide books, confectionery, postcards and posters. All available at 20% discount. Also by Mail Order catalogue, sent to Friends.
- Museum Cafés: light refreshments, sandwiches, lunch and tea, hot and cold drinks (licensed) at 20% discount at all five branches, where catering available.
- Tours With Experts Ltd: this travel agency, appointed by the IWM, provides the finest tours led by military experts to historic sites in Europe, the Middle and Far East. Friends are entitled to a 5% discount. Tour Guides are sent to Friends.
- Museum lectures and film shows: Friends are entitled to a discount on
all events listed in the Museum's publication What's On.
How to join the Friends
Please complete the downloadable application form and post it with your standing order/cheque/postal order, made payable to Friends of the Imperial War Museum, or provide your Credit Card details.
Details of Gift Membership are included in the form.
Prices:
Friend (Single membership 16-59) - £25
Joint Friends* (2 adults 16-59) - £40
Senior Citizen (over 60) - £12
Joint Senior Citizens* (both over 60) - £20
Disabled Person - £12
Joint Combined (1 Senior Citizen & 1 under 60) - £30
Student (16+ in full-time education) - £12
Junior (up to age 16) - £12
Family (2 adults & up to 3 children from the same family) - £50
Life - £250
Joint Life - £350
Senior Citizen Life - £150
Joint Senior Citizen Life - £250
* At same address
Overseas member surcharge - £5
About Gift Aid...
As a registered Charity, Registration No 294360, The Friends of the Imperial War Museum are able to reclaim income tax from any subscription or donation received in accordance with a Gift Aid Declaration.
You must pay enough tax overall to cover tax we reclaim (currently 28p for every £1 you give). This includes tax under PAYE and tax deducted from bank interest. If you are not a taxpayer do not sign a Declaration. If in future your circumstances change and you no longer pay sufficient tax, you can cancel your Declaration.
We can only reclaim tax at the basic rate even if you pay tax at the higher rate but you can obtain further tax relief in your Self Assessment tax return.
You may cancel a Declaration at any time by letting us know in writing.
Please help the Friends by completing the Gift Aid Declaration section on the downloadable application form [Acrobat Reader required]
When completed and signed, please send the Form to
The Membership Secretary
The Friends Office
Imperial War Museum
Lambeth Road
London
SE1 6HZ
Founded by Air Commodore Dame Felicity Peake, DBE, AE in 1987 as a registered charity (No. 294360)
