Take one glance at this museum, and you’ll surely notice the severe damage across its facade. The dents and chips are remnants of the German military bombing campaigns of World War II. For 11 weeks, London and many other parts of England were besieged by an aerial bombardment commonly known as the Blitz.

Despite being under constant bombardment, the museum mostly remained open during the air raids. Sandbags and other methods of protection were used to prevent its artifacts from being destroyed. 

The museum did close briefly due to an explosion that caused severe damage to the entrances and windows along the western side. These battle scars were not removed and now exist as a tribute to the museum–and country’s—resolve during the war. 

On the righthand side of the Exhibition Road entrance is a plaque informing visitors of what the pockmarks along the western frontage indicate. Artist David Kindersley managed to incorporate some of the building’s damage into the plaque.