The London Tunnels, a new tourist attraction situated in mile-long underground tunnels beneath the city, will include a permanent exhibition about the history of military intelligence.
London’s Kingsway Exchange tunnels are currently being transformed into a unique cultural experience, with the plans approved by the City of London last summer.
Originally built in the 1940s to shelter Londoners during the World War II Blitz, the tunnels are being restored and opened to the public for the first time.
The London Tunnels company has now announced a partnership with the UK-based Museum of Military Intelligence for an exhibition in the attraction.
The high-tech exhibition will showcase original artefacts, equipment, weapons, documents and images. It will feature stories from the Battle of Britain and D-Day, as well as the espionage operations of the Cold War, and the terrorist threat of the 21st century.
Angus Murray, CEO of The London Tunnels, said the exhibition “will provide convenient central London access to an important and unique collection which has until now been largely hidden”.
High-tech exhibition in secret tunnels
He added: “The tunnels, built and designed to protect Londoners during the Blitz, are the ideal backdrop to tell the remarkable, and untold, stories of the men and women who played a vital role in protecting Britain then, and the role of the armed services protecting Britain today.”
Located 40 metres beneath High Holborn, the tunnels were kept secret for nearly 70 years as part of the UK government’s Official Secrets Act.
General Sir Jim Hockenhull, commander of Strategic Command and colonel commandant of the Intelligence Corps, said: “The UK has long been at the forefront of military intelligence.”
He added: “The tunnels will provide a dramatic and historic backdrop for an exciting new approach to telling the story of the past, present and future of military intelligence.”
The trustees of the Museum of Military Intelligence said: “We are thrilled to create a space where the public can engage with the rich history of intelligence operations in a truly inspiring setting.”
The Museum of Military Intelligence is currently located at an active Ministry of Defence base at Chicksands in Bedfordshire. It is open to the public, but visits have to be pre-arranged and some access restrictions apply.
