Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Discover WWII History in Belfast
Established in 1943, our museum has dedicated over eight decades to preserving and interpreting Northern Ireland's profound role in the Second World War. As an accredited institution, we maintain thousands of artefacts spanning the Belfast Blitz, American military presence, and home front experiences, supported by extensive archival resources. Our expert curatorial team delivers educational programmes for all ages, from school workshops to dementia-friendly sessions, while our outreach initiatives bring wartime history directly to community groups. With formal recognition as a registered charity (NIC 103635) and company limited by guarantee (NI 002888), we combine rigorous academic research with accessible public engagement.Our exhibitions, including the permanent Blitz Memorial and McKendry Frieze, reflect both local and global wartime narratives, supported by peer-reviewed publications and specialist library resources. Through oral history collections and archaeological collaborations, we ensure authentic representation of personal and military experiences. Our accessibility commitments include physical adjustments for visitors and digital catalogues for remote research access. This institutional expertise positions us as Northern Ireland's foremost authority on Second World War heritage.
Services
Museum Exhibitions
Educational Workshops
Community Outreach
Oral History Archive
Research Library
Details
- Year established: 1943
Highlights and features
- We offer free admission to our accredited museum collection since 1943
- Our expert-led educational programmes cater to all age groups and abilities
- We provide accessible facilities including dementia-friendly and SEN resources
- Our outreach services deliver wartime history directly to community venues
- We maintain Northern Ireland's most comprehensive Second World War oral history archive
What people say
Comprehensive exhibits
Knowledgeable staff
Emotional impact
Educational value
Well-preserved artefacts
Services
Museum Exhibitions
Our permanent exhibitions explore Northern Ireland's Second World War experience through artefacts, photographs, and interactive displays. Visitors examine the Belfast Blitz impact, American military presence, and home front contributions. The memorial wall and McKendry Frieze provide poignant focal points for reflection.
Educational Programmes
Tailored learning sessions engage students from early years through post-primary education. Curriculum-linked activities include object handling, archival research, and creative writing workshops. Specialised resources support SEN groups and adult learners exploring wartime history.
Community Outreach
Our outreach team delivers interactive history sessions across Northern Ireland. Using portable artefacts and digital resources, we engage care homes, community centres, and special interest groups. This service extends our educational mission beyond the museum walls to diverse audiences.
Oral History Archive
Over 100 recorded interviews preserve personal wartime experiences. This growing collection documents civilian and military perspectives, including Blitz survivors and American service personnel. Researchers access these first-hand accounts for academic and personal study.
Research Library
Specialist collections include military records, photographic archives, and wartime publications. The reference library supports academic research and family history investigations. Appointments provide access to rare materials and expert curatorial guidance.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 10am-4:30pm and Saturdays 12pm-4pm. Free admission with no booking required.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, we provide full wheelchair access with lift facilities and accessible toilet provision.
Do you offer educational programmes for schools?
We deliver curriculum-linked workshops for all key stages, including object handling sessions and Blitz simulation activities.
Can I donate wartime artefacts to the collection?
Yes, we welcome potential donations. Please contact our collections team for assessment and documentation.
Are there research facilities available?
Our reference library contains specialist WWII resources. Appointments are required for access to archival materials.
Do you host temporary exhibitions?
We regularly update our displays with themed exhibitions focusing on specific wartime events and personal stories.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Tina Calder
Oct 16, 2021
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A fantastic place to spend an hour learning and understanding the impact of war in Northern Ireland. Its a place of education, and a thought provoking exhibition that gives you a glimpse into life in years gone past.
Maddie
Oct 12, 2021
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Fantastic little place, we had it all to ourselves so we could spend a good long time looking at the exhibitions. Very interesting information and a great way to spend an hour or so. Would recommend if you are interested in this sort of thing. The tv that shows the names and ages of people who died in the blitzes really hits home.
Alan Hongkonger
Oct 11, 2021
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Excellent exhibition showing the impact of the war on Northern Ireland as well as the stories of those heroes who sacrificed themselves (some to the point of losing their lives) to save the others. Packed with interesting items and staff were really knowledgeable and helpful. Went with my 5 year old and she was thoroughly stunned and amazed after going through the exhibits. Highly recommended
Noel Wandering Walt
Jul 13, 2021
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Excellent exhibition and put together with care and passion...staff are extreamly helpful and will be more than glad to answer any questions you may have.
although the exhibition itself is small , the heart moveing history behind it is very real,while your there pick up a free booklet on The Belfast Blitz where you then scan a bar code to your phone and it takes you on a visual tour of the blitz starting from the front door of the museum. Admission is free and donations are welcome. Group bookings advisable. Check online for opening times. It's your history !
although the exhibition itself is small , the heart moveing history behind it is very real,while your there pick up a free booklet on The Belfast Blitz where you then scan a bar code to your phone and it takes you on a visual tour of the blitz starting from the front door of the museum. Admission is free and donations are welcome. Group bookings advisable. Check online for opening times. It's your history !
