Royal Air Force Museum London

Royal Air Force Museum London
Name	Royal Air Force Museum London
Established	1972
Location	Grahame Park, London Borough of Barnet, London
Type	Aviation museum
Collection size	Over 100 aircraft
Publictransit	Colindale tube station

Royal Air Force Museum London is a major aviation museum located in North London, dedicated to telling the story of the Royal Air Force and British aviation history. Opened in 1972, the museum is situated on the former site of the London Aerodrome at Hendon, an area with deep roots in early aviation. Its extensive collection spans from the pioneering days of flight through both World War I and World War II to the Cold War and modern era, featuring iconic aircraft, engines, and aviation memorabilia. The museum forms part of the larger Royal Air Force Museum organization, which also operates a sister site at Cosford in Shropshire.

History

The museum's origins are intrinsically linked to the historic Hendon Aerodrome, a key centre for British aviation that hosted the famous RAF Pageant and later the RAF Display. The site was formally transferred from the Ministry of Defence for museum use, with the facility officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in November 1972. Initial development was supported by the Royal Air Force Museum Trust, and the museum expanded significantly with the addition of the Battle of Britain Hall in 1978. Further major redevelopments occurred in the early 21st century, including the creation of the Milestones of Flight exhibition and a substantial renovation project named the "Our Story" redevelopment, which modernized the visitor experience and conservation workshops.

Exhibits and collections

The museum's exhibits are arranged across several large hangars and thematic galleries, chronicling over a century of aerial warfare and innovation. Key permanent exhibitions include the Battle of Britain Hall, which focuses on the pivotal 1940 air campaign, and the Historic Hangars, which explore the technological evolution of aircraft from the Royal Flying Corps to the Jet Age. The Milestones of Flight gallery showcases groundbreaking aircraft like the Vickers Vimy and the Eurofighter Typhoon, while the Bomber Command display honours the crews of RAF Bomber Command. The collection also encompasses extensive archives of photographs, documents, and uniforms, as well as a vast array of aero engines, aircraft armament, and medals such as the Victoria Cross.

Aircraft on display

The museum houses one of the world's most significant collections of historic aircraft, with over 100 full examples on display. Notable World War I aircraft include a Sopwith Camel and a Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5. From the interwar period and World War II, highlights are a Supermarine Spitfire, a Hawker Hurricane, an Avro Lancaster, and a de Havilland Mosquito. Cold War jets are well represented by types like the English Electric Lightning, the Avro Vulcan, and a Panavia Tornado. The collection also features rare prototypes, helicopters such as the Westland Lysander, and foreign aircraft including a Messerschmitt Bf 109 and a F-4 Phantom II.

Location and facilities

The museum is located at Grahame Park in the London Borough of Barnet, adjacent to the A41 road and a short walk from Colindale tube station on the Northern line. The site incorporates original buildings from the Hendon Aerodrome, including the former Graeme White hangar. Visitor facilities include a large car park, the Wessex Café, a museum shop, and dedicated learning spaces for school groups. The complex also houses the museum's Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, where aircraft restoration work is conducted, and extensive storage for the reserve collection.

Public engagement and events

The museum runs a dynamic public programme featuring annual events like commemorations for Battle of Britain Day and Remembrance Sunday. It hosts family activities, flying demonstrations, lectures by historians and RAF veterans, and temporary exhibitions on themes such as Women in the RAF or specific aircraft types. Educational programmes are tailored for all ages, offering curriculum-linked workshops for schools and outreach activities. The museum also participates in national initiatives like the Blue Plaques scheme and partners with institutions such as the Imperial War Museums and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Governance and funding

The museum is operated by the Royal Air Force Museum, a registered charity and a Non-departmental public body sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. Governance is provided by a Board of Trustees, which includes senior representatives from the RAF, aviation industry, and heritage sector. Funding is derived from a combination of government grants via the MOD, charitable donations, commercial revenue from retail and catering, membership schemes, and grants from bodies like the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Major capital projects often rely on significant fundraising campaigns supported by corporate partners and public donations.

Category:Aviation museums in London Category:Museums in the London Borough of Barnet Category:Royal Air Force Museum Category:Military and war museums in London Category:1972 establishments in the United Kingdom