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Exhibition

MI5: Official Secrets

A groundbreaking exhibition, opening this spring

5 April to 28 September 2025

Free

About MI5: Official Secrets

Step inside the hidden world of MI5 and explore the extraordinary stories behind the security of a nation.

For the first time, MI5’s history will go on display to the public in a major new exhibition, made possible through an unprecedented partnership between the Security Service and The National Archives.

Explore the ever-changing world of espionage and security threats through original case files, photographs and papers, alongside the real equipment used by spies and spy-catchers over MI5’s 115-year history.

From counter-espionage and daring double-agents during the world wars, to chilling Cold War confessions and the counter-terrorism of recent times, this historic exhibition will take you behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most iconic institutions.

Keep your eyes peeled – a programme of online and on-site events will be announced soon...

5 April to 28 September 2025
See our opening times
Free

No booking needed

Everyone welcome
Recommended for ages 8+
Exhibition space
The National Archives
Kew, Richmond
TW9 4DU
Accessibility
See our accessibility guide

In partnership with MI5.

Exhibition highlights

Plan your visit

What is The National Archives?

The National Archives is the official archive of the UK government, and England and Wales. We are the guardians of over 1,000 years of iconic national documents.

Everyone is welcome to visit our headquarters in Kew. We put on exhibitions, events and displays and offer reading rooms giving access to our collections there.

Find out more about who we are

Getting here

The National Archives is located by the River Thames in Kew, 30 minutes from Central London. We offer advice on travelling to us by car, bike, train or bus.

Read our advice on getting here

Accessibility

Everyone is welcome to visit MI5: Official Secrets once it opens.

  • There will be step-free level access throughout all areas
  • The exhibition will have low lighting levels
  • It will include pictorial, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user
  • Large print guides will be available

Find out more about accessibility in our exhibition space

Children and families

We provide a warm welcome to visitors of all ages, including children and family groups.

  • Explore the exhibition together with our MI5: Official Secrets family trail (for ages 8+) and decode a secret message.
  • Free activity sheets (for ages 1+) are available from the Time Travel Club trolley in our entrance hall
  • Our café is child-friendly and there are picnic benches outside
  • Prams and buggies are welcome, and we have a buggy park
  • Baby changing facilities are located by our entrance hall, at the top of the main stairs, and in the library
  • Emergency supplies of nappies and wipes are available

Find out more about visiting with children

Eat and drink

We have a café and coffee bar provided by Maids of Honour, a historic local tea room and bakery. It has spacious indoor and outside seating and a soft play area.

On the menu is a variety of high-quality lunchtime meals, sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements are all catered to.

Find out more about our café

The outside of the National Archives offices in Kew

Spy stories

The story of

Anthony Blunt's confession

New

Security Service files paint a vivid picture of what happened when Anthony Blunt – then employed in the royal household – admitted spying for the Soviet Union.

Spy on us

Join The National Archives mailing list for exhibition updates and early booking for events, including talks and tours.

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