The Royal Artillery Museum is hosted at the historic Royal Arsenal site beside the Thames at Woolwich. On display are a large number of guns and gun carriages ranging from medieval up to post WWII, together with exhibitions which tell the story of artillery, scientific discoveries made through warfare and human stories of courage and endeavour. The ‘Field of Fire’ audio-visual show puts visitors in the midst of battle as shells whiz overhead and guns roar. A world-class collection of artillery and associated weapons, uniforms, drawings, displays of diaries and medals records some 700 years of world artillery history.
The Royal Arsenal site itself is worth a stroll, with its wide spaces, many elegant listed buildings, and some modern outdoor sculpture. Less happy was the experience of finding Firepower still shut when it was supposed to be open. Right day? Check. Right times? Check. As a last resort I went to enquire at a café attached to the side of the building, and in the process rousted out the receptionist who didn’t seem to know what time of day it was.
The exhibits were interesting, and there was enough to look at to occupy a couple of hours or more. Building 41 with the large objects collection was not open on the date I visited, but it should be when you visit.
I travelled by train, but if you have to drive, there is a pay & display car park nearby at the Plumstead Road entrance. The Thames Barrier is not far away, and can be reached by bus.