Exhibitions and displays

Our exhibitions are free and open to all. We have two major exhibitions a year in our Keeper’s Gallery and we have temporary changing displays around our building. Some of our exhibitions are also on tour at other locations. It is not necessary to book to visit, but do check our opening times.

Great Escapes

Great Escapes: Remarkable Second World War Captives opening on 2 February 2024 reveals the stories of prisoners of war and civilian internees.

Stories Unboxed: A One Document Display

Stories Unboxed is a new display that takes a single document and explores its story. Let our specialists highlight topical finds and lesser-known treasures.

The Cabinet table

Examine our replica Cabinet table and explore leaders from the past through their documents at this permanent display at The National Archives.

Camp 144 at Kew

This temporary installation to time with our Great Escapes exhibition displays photographs from the prisoner of war camp that was located on the site of The National Archives in Kew in 1945.

Pickles saves the World Cup

Visitors can discover the extraordinary story of the theft of the Jules Rimet trophy in 1966 through our first floor display.

Past exhibitions and displays

Have a browse of some of our previous exhibitions and displays, though you can't visit them any more.