The Royal Artillery Museum Announces Public Open Days at Historic Larkhill Site

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 07:00

The Royal Artillery Museum is inviting the public to two exclusive Open Days on Friday, 9th May, and Saturday, 10th May 2025, offering guided tours of its historic stores at Wood Road, Larkhill.

A limited number of free, pre-booked tickets will be available, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's most significant military collections.

The Royal Artillery Museum’s collection dates back to 1778, established initially for training purposes.

It became publicly accessible in 1820 at the Rotunda on Woolwich Common and was later moved to the Firepower museum in 2001. Following the closure of Firepower in 2016, the Museum has been preparing for a new chapter near Larkhill—the current home of the Royal Artillery.

While this major redevelopment project is underway, most of the collection is stored and not normally open to the public.

Guests will be able to view a remarkable array of artefacts, including items from the Museum’s small objects store and an impressive selection of historic field guns, ranging from the seventeenth century through to the 1970s. These treasures are housed within the oldest surviving aircraft hangars in the world that are still in their original position —a fitting backdrop steeped in military and aviation history.

Originally built in 1910, the Grade II* Listed hangars at Wood Road were the birthplace of British military aviation. In the same year, aircraft operating from these very sheds took part in groundbreaking military exercises that helped cement the role of aviation in modern warfare. Although the airfield ceased operations in 1914, the hangars remain a powerful link to this pivotal chapter in history.

These Open Days offer a rare chance to experience part of this exceptional collection up close, while exploring the rich heritage of both the Royal Artillery and early British aviation.

To learn more and book your free tour, please visit: bit.ly/3GqA4eY

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