Our Galleries

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.

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.

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.

Age of Experimentation will open in January 2027 and focuses on the years 1919–1939, a time when the future of the tank was anything but certain.

Tanks had proven their worth on the battlefields of the First World War, but with the widespread belief that trench warfare was a thing of the past, military leaders were forced to reconsider the role of armoured vehicles.

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.

The 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: 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 in 2023.

See inside a Centurion Main Battle Tank and try using the Museum's vehicles in action with the new World of Tanks Gaming Zone.

Chart the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including examples of the fighting vehicles used by both sides and the very personal stories from refugees who have settled in Dorset.

This harrowing exhibition will also feature the role of changing technology in 21st Century warfare and the Royal Tank Regiment's experience of training Ukrainian soldiers.

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.

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.

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.

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.