Last updated May 2nd, 2022
Located in the basement of a government building in the heart of London, the Cabinet War Rooms were hurriedly converted on the eve of the Second World War to emergency underground accommodation to protect the Prime Minister and the British Government against air attack. In operational use from 27 August 1939 to the Japanese surrender in 1945, these rooms were to become the vital nerve-centre used by Winston Churchill, his War Cabinet and the Chiefs of Staff of Britain’s armed forces.
Note: Owing to temporary closures the times below may not accurately reflect current opening hours.
The 12 Star Gallery shows work which celebrate the creativity and cultural diversity of the European Union.
The National Gallery is home to around 2000 pictures from Western European painters dating as far back as the early 13th century including Turner, Van Gogh and Picasso. Admission to the museum is free.
Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery is home to a large collection of portraits of famous people, dating from the Tudor period. Paintings include Henry VIII, Edward VI, William Shakespeare and Oliver Cromwell. Admission is free.