National museums of the United Kingdom facts for kids

The United Kingdom is home to many amazing national museums! These are special places owned and run by the country's government. They are funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which is a part of the British government. Most of these national museums are located in England. There are 14 main national museums that were created by special laws, plus another eight that the DCMS helps to support.

Besides these, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland also have their own national museums. These are supported by their local governments. For example, museums in Scotland get money from the Scottish Executive Education Department, in Wales from the Welsh Government, and in Northern Ireland from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.

A great thing about all UK national museums is that it's usually free to enter! Sometimes, special exhibits might have a small fee, but the main parts are free. Many of these museums also have more than one location across the UK, so you might find parts of the same museum in different cities.

National Museums in England

England has a fantastic collection of national museums. These places are packed with history, art, science, and so much more!

Museums Created by Law

These museums were set up by special laws passed by the government, making them very important national treasures.

• British Museum, London: This huge museum is famous for its incredible collection of world art and human history. You can see everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone!
• Imperial War Museums: These museums tell the stories of wars and conflicts involving Britain and the Commonwealth. They have several locations:
  • Imperial War Museum London
  • Imperial War Museum Duxford (near Cambridge)
  • HMS Belfast 1938, London (a real warship you can explore!)
  • Churchill War Rooms, London (where Winston Churchill led Britain during World War II)
  • Imperial War Museum North, Trafford (near Manchester)
• National Gallery, London: Home to a stunning collection of paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. You can see masterpieces by famous artists like Van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci.
• National Maritime Museum, London: This museum explores Britain's long and exciting history with the sea, including famous explorers and naval battles.
• National Museum of the Royal Navy: This museum celebrates the history of the Royal Navy. It has sites in several places:
  • Portsmouth
  • Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton (all about naval aircraft)
  • HMS Caroline, Belfast (a historic warship)
  • Hartlepool
  • Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, Gosport (about naval weapons)
  • Royal Navy Submarine Museum, Gosport (you can go inside a real submarine!)
• National Museums Liverpool: A group of museums in Liverpool, each with a different focus:
  • World Museum, Liverpool (natural history and world cultures)
  • Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool (art from different periods)
  • Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool (Liverpool's port history)
  • Seized! The Border and Customs uncovered, Liverpool (about customs and borders)
  • International Slavery Museum, Liverpool (exploring the history of slavery)
  • Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight (fine and decorative arts)
  • Sudley House, Liverpool (Victorian art and a historic house)
  • Museum of Liverpool, Liverpool (the city's history and culture)
• Science Museum Group: This group focuses on science, technology, and engineering. Their locations include:
  • Science Museum, London
  • Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
  • National Railway Museum, York (a huge collection of trains!)
  • National Science and Media Museum, Bradford (exploring light, sound, and images)
  • National Collections Centre, Swindon (where they store many large items)
  • Locomotion, Shildon (more amazing trains!)
• National Portrait Gallery, London: This gallery displays portraits of famous British people throughout history.
• National Army Museum, Chelsea, London: Tells the story of the British Army and its role in history.
• Natural History Museum, London: A fantastic place to learn about the natural world, from dinosaurs to dazzling gems.
• Royal Armouries: These museums showcase weapons and armour from around the world and throughout history.
  • Royal Armouries, Tower of London
  • Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds
  • Fort Nelson, Hampshire
• Royal Air Force Museum: Dedicated to the history of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and aviation.
  • Royal Air Force Museum London
  • Royal Air Force Museum Midlands, Cosford
• Sir John Soane's Museum, London: The former home of an architect, filled with his amazing collection of art, antiques, and architectural models.
• Tate: A group of art galleries known for their modern and contemporary art collections.
  • Tate Britain, London
  • Tate Liverpool
  • Tate St Ives
  • Tate Modern, London
• Victoria and Albert Museum, London: One of the world's leading museums of art, design, and performance.
• Wallace Collection, London: A beautiful collection of fine and decorative arts, including paintings, furniture, and armour.

Sponsored Museums

These museums are also very important and receive support from the government.

• Horniman Museum and Gardens, London: Known for its collections of anthropology, natural history, and musical instruments, plus beautiful gardens.
• Museum of the Home, London: Explores how people have lived at home over the past 400 years.
• National Coal Mining Museum for England, Overton, West Yorkshire: You can go underground and experience what it was like to be a coal miner!

National Museums in Scotland

Scotland has its own wonderful national museums and galleries that celebrate Scottish history, art, and culture.

National Museums in Wales

In Wales, the national museums are part of Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, which looks after the country's heritage.

National Museums in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland also has several national museums that tell its unique stories.

• Ulster Museum
• Ulster Folk Museum
• Ulster American Folk Park
• Ulster Transport Museum

More to Explore

If you want to find out more about museums in different parts of the UK, check out these lists:

• List of museums in England
• List of museums in Scotland
• List of museums in Wales
• List of museums in Northern Ireland