Explore our Powerful Exhibitions
THE TANK STORY | 1915 - Present Day
Over 30 of the most important armoured fighting vehicles in history tell the story of the tank in context with the tumultuous events of the last century.
Find out how this important British invention has helped shape world history with its domination of the battlefield, and hear fascinating accounts from those who have operated and faced them in combat.
THE TRENCH EXPERIENCE | France 1916
Walk in the footsteps of a First World War soldier – from the recruiting office to the front-line trenches.
Find out why the tank was invented to break the stalemate on the Somme and see the first tank attack in history.
Key vehicles
TANK MEN | The Story of the First Tank Crews
The lives and experiences of eight British soldiers of the First World War are the focus of Tank Men – which celebrates the pioneers of tank warfare. You will be moved by powerful human stories of some of the first men in history to see action in tanks.
WARHORSE TO HORSEPOWER | The Rise of The Tank
How the mud of the Western Front saw the beginning of the end for horse mounted cavalry and the rise of the tank.
Discover the many ways in which the British Army used horses and why it chose to mechanise in the years after the First World War – with stories from the horse’s mouth!
Key vehicles
WW2: WAR STORIES | Royal Armoured Corps 1939-1945
WW2: War Stories tells the history of the men of the Royal Armoured Corps through a series of campaigns and battles, beginning with the British counter-attack at Arras in 1940 and finishing with the fall of Germany in 1945.
First-hand testimony from tank crewmen is at the centre of the displays. Their written and spoken words will feature across graphic panels, films, showcases and set-piece recreations.
RAC MEMORIAL ROOM | Memorial to the Fallen
The new Memorial Room, created in partnership with The Royal Armoured Corps Memorial Trust, commemorates the sacrifice of almost 13,000 Royal Armoured Corps soldiers who have died in service since the Corps was founded in 1939. The Memorial Room houses the Books of Remembrance, a digitised and searchable version of the Roll of Honour, and videos about those who fought in the RAC.
TANKS FOR THE MEMORIES | Tanks in Popular Culture
New for 2023, “Tanks for the Memories: The Tank in Popular Culture”, is an exhibition looking at how the tank has become a cultural icon through the manufacture of multiple toys, games, models, and the production of works of art, books, comics, video games and films.
Created for our 100th anniversary, this exhibition is now open.
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GAMING ZONE | World of Tanks
See inside a Centurion Main Battle Tank and try using the Museum's vehicles in action with the new World of Tanks Gaming Zone.
Key vehicles
BATTLEGROUP AFGHANISTAN | Helmand Province 2011
Explore a recreated Forward Operating Base to see the living conditions of soldiers on operations in the recent conflict in Afghanistan.
Hear first-hand accounts and honest feedback from soldiers on the equipment and vehicles they used.
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COLD WAR | Post-WWII Tanks
See the Museum's collection of vehicles from the Cold and Gulf War, let of steam in the tank-shaped soft play, and enjoy a coffee in the Café.
VEHICLE CONSERVATION CENTRE | Conservation in Action
This vast hall houses over 100 armoured fighting vehicles, including a wide variety of unique prototypes and testbed vehicles.
These are viewable from a balcony featuring an exhibition on the conservation work that takes place in the Museum Workshop. The Vehicle Conservation Centre (VCC) balcony is open for an hour each afternoon, subject to staff availability.
The floor of the VCC is open during Special Events and during some special access tours.
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LIVE ACTION DISPLAYS | Tanks in Action
On weekdays during the Dorset Easter, May and Summer school holidays, see tanks roll into action during our Tanks in Action display.
Feel the ground shake and learn how tanks are used in battle during this entertaining 30-minute display. Lifelike explosions, thundering engines and expert commentary.
Key vehicles
TRACKED VEHICLE RIDES | Ride the M548
During the Dorset Easter, May and Summer school holidays, experience for yourself the thrill of riding in a tracked vehicle.
This working example of military hardware seats 16 people at a time – so the whole family can jump on together! Extra charge applies.