Established in 1984, the Churchill War Rooms constitute a museum located on King Charles Street in London, England. Dedicated to the life and times of Winston Churchill, it is one of many imperial museums in Great Britain. It is made up of an underground section that housed British officials during World War II and contains a popular biographical museum of the former prime minister. Constructed in the summer of 1938, it served as a way to facilitate discussions among the chiefs of staff of the British armed forces. It takes at least 90 minutes to tour the War Rooms, and visitors often spend at least half a day to see everything it has to offer.
During the Blitz bombing of 1940, the building was reinforced with 5 feet (about 1.5 m) of concrete. Abandoned at the end of the war, the Churchill War Rooms would not be accessible until Britain’s first female prime minister came into office. A great admirer of Churchill, Margaret Thatcher made it possible for the Churchill War Rooms museum to be opened to the public.
The museum cost around $9.4 million US Dollars (USD) to construct and was funded by mostly private donations. Mainly known as an interactive museum, more than 300,000 annual visitors attend workshops, lectures, and programs there. Using cutting-edge technology and multimedia displays, the Churchill War Rooms bring the former prime minister to life. There is a lifeline exhibit where visitors can learn what Churchill did every year of his life. Some interesting highlights include how he spent his time as a soldier and a journalist before he started his career as Britain’s most beloved prime minister. Recommended by the Kids in Museum charity, the Churchill War Rooms museum offers many information resources for all ages. It also puts into context how British lives were affected by the bomb raids, in addition to explaining how decision-making processes were made.
Commemorating the 70th anniversary when the Churchill War Rooms became operational, a display focuses on the personal lives of the men and women who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms. It describes a grueling 14-hour day of work while bombs were dropped from German planes. Visitors can listen to personal accounts from that time period. Monthly programs include an open box display, where families can handle wartime memorabilia and artifacts. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., and admission is free for children under the age of 16. Free audio guides are available for all visitors.
