IWM Duxford, Britain’s best-preserved Second World War fighter station, is set to undergo a significant transformation. With a storied history that includes housing the first operational Spitfires and serving as the base for the US 78th Fighter Group, Duxford played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain. It remains a site where human endeavor and technological innovation shaped world history. As the centenary of the Second World War approaches, IWM Duxford is embarking on a revitalization project aimed at enhancing visitor experience. The museum’s unrivaled collection of aircraft and military vehicles will take center stage, offering deeper insights into the people behind their design, construction, operation, and maintenance. New exhibition spaces will integrate aircraft, land vehicles, and artifacts to present a more cohesive and immersive narrative, reinforcing Duxford’s historical significance.
Large Object Moves
Between March and June 2025, IWM Duxford’s Conservation team will undertake one of the most challenging and logistically complex projects in recent years. As part of the long-term vision for AirSpace, which will become a dedicated exhibition on the Cold War and contemporary conflict, over 100 aircraft and objects will be relocated. This will include the careful lowering of suspended aircraft and the reorganization of displays at ground level. Jon White, IWM Head of Conservation, emphasized the magnitude of the task, stating, “There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to these movements. Each aircraft’s size, weight, material, and age must be considered. Our world-class team has developed a highly detailed plan to ensure each movement is executed with care and precision.” For the first time in nearly two decades, visitors will be able to see certain aircraft at ground level, including the only surviving original Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8, built in 1918, and the de Havilland Mosquito, one of the most versatile aircraft of the Second World War. To facilitate this work safely, scheduled closure dates will be posted on the AirSpace web page.
Recent Enhancements
Significant upgrades at IWM Duxford have already taken place. In 2020, the museum unveiled a restored RAF Second World War Operations Room, offering an immersive re-creation of the facility’s role during the aerial campaign of 1940. This exhibition culminates in a dramatic, audio-visual depiction of the Battle of Britain’s climax on September 15, 1940. Additionally, the Weston Play Zone, which opened in summer 2024, provides an interactive experience for younger visitors. Inspired by Duxford’s aviation legacy, this play area is designed to spark interest in aviation history and innovation among the next generation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of IWM Duxford
The transformation of IWM Duxford extends far beyond current projects, with several ambitious developments planned:
The Lab At the core of this transformation is The Lab, a state-of-the-art conservation and storage center providing behind-the-scenes access to visitors. To accommodate this facility, the Land Warfare Hall will permanently close on June 1, 2025, as it no longer meets environmental standards for artifact preservation. In its place, The Lab will offer much-needed storage for the museum’s largest objects and serve as a hub for the conservation team. Guided tours and open days will allow visitors to witness this vital work firsthand.
Hangar Restoration Upgrades to IWM Duxford’s First and Second World War hangars are planned to ensure better preservation of historic aircraft and objects. The site’s chronological and thematic displays will be enhanced, reuniting aviation and land warfare artifacts in restored buildings. AirSpace will be repurposed to focus exclusively on Cold War and contemporary conflict history, while plans include constructing a pavilion on the footprint of a former historic hangar. This new space will serve as IWM Duxford’s first dedicated temporary exhibition area.
Duxford AvTech In collaboration with Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge, IWM Duxford is spearheading Duxford AvTech, a new facility dedicated to researching, developing, and testing low- and zero-carbon aircraft technologies. Located adjacent to the museum, this initiative is expected to generate jobs, training opportunities, and investment in the region.
A Vision for the Future
Some of the most critical conservation work will commence in 2025, with long-term projects contingent on securing additional funding. IWM Duxford remains committed to preserving and sharing its extraordinary history, and further details on the transformation will be provided as plans progress. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website for updates on scheduled closures and developments. The transformation of IWM Duxford marks a bold step toward the future, ensuring that its legacy as a center for aviation history, innovation, and education endures for generations to come. For more information, visit www.iwm.org.uk
