Funky Venues

Venue Review

Character: Majestic grade II-listed neo-classical pile with an airy modern heart

Funky Features: Set in 9 acres of urban parkland with monumental guns on the front lawn, central glass atrium; unique exhibits including a Mark I Spitfire hanging in the central void.

Location and History

Opened by King George V on 9th June 1920, the Imperial War Museum is a museum dedicated to conflicts involving Britain and the Commonwealth since 1914. The architecturally striking building was originally home to the Bethlehem hospital for the insane – or Bedlam, as it came to be known. Many period features still remain.

Centrally located just south of the river, the Imperial War Museum is within easy walking distance of Lambeth North & Waterloo stations.

Interior and Space for Hire

Large Exhibits Gallery: The Atrium forms a monumental and modern entrance to the building, featuring five aircraft suspended within the glass domed roof space (which is illuminated in striking blue at night) where you can find a Polaris missile, the First World War Ole Bill bus and Field Marshal Montgomery’s personal tank. This area is available from 6.15pm – 1.00am (including set up and clear down). It can accommodate from 100 – 1000 for a standing reception (including the hire of all balconies) for a buffet or cabaret, 70-350 for a seated dinner (no dancing) and 70-300 for dinner (with dancing). The space also works well as pre-conference breakfast event during the day time (8am to 10am)

The Cinema: It is a large, blank canvas style space with a PA system, fully equipped cinema, which can be hired for both daytime (8.00am – 6.00pm) and evening events (6.15pm – 1.00am). It is a perfect venue for film screenings, large conferences or presentations. There is also a foyer space where Lawrence of Arabia’s 1932 Brough Superior SS100 Motorcycle is on display. The capacity is 200.

The Conference Room: This smart and modern space with recessed lighting, PA systems and visual equipment can be configured to the needs of a specific. It fits 80 in theatre format, 30 in boardroom mode, 60 for a cabaret or 120 for a reception. The additional foyer space provides room for refreshments to be prepared.

The Boardroom: This traditional Georgian boardroom with parkland views makes an exclusive setting for smaller lunches and dinners. Recently refurbished, it includes paintings from the museum’s collection, on the walls and also features a private balcony from which guests have views of the museum’s Large Exhibits Gallery. The boardroom has a capacity of 50 (theatre-style, 24 boardroom-style and 50 dinner/lunch or 65 for a reception.

Lower Boardroom: The Lower Boardroom is another Georgian-inspired room. It is an intimate, bright space available for hire in the daytime (8.00am – 6.00pm). The room is stylishly decorated with smart floor-to-ceiling windows. It holds 20 (theatre style), 15 boardroom style and 24 cabaret style.

Note: Security, cloakroom staff, an electrician and an event manager are all included in the venue hire. All hire charges include the option of having a small shop selling a selection of items from the museum and staff will be happy to help with this. Guests can visit the galleries during breaks and tickets can be arranged for exhibitions.