Located in Peninsula Barracks in Winchester The Gurkha Museum takes you on a journey through Gurkha history, beginning with their origins in Nepal and the moment in 1815 when Gurkhas were first enlisted to fight for Britain. The extraordinary stories on display and housed in our archives cover not only the battles and campaigns but the culture and religion of the homeland of this unique fighting force. We see them locked in battle with mutinous sepoys in 1857, then standing guard in India’s North West and North East frontiers before being sent half a world away to the trenches of the Western Front in 1914 and The Falkland Islands in the early 1980s.
Through its collections and archives the Museum represents over 200 years of a unique and historic relationship, one that continues to this day, with the annual recruitment of Gurkhas from Nepal continuing to be vital for Britain’s Armed Forces.
The redevelopment of The Gurkha Museum is called Project Kaida. Project Kaida will transform The Gurkha Museum from a small military museum to the global reference point for Gurkha heritage, accessible for all, relevant, and sustainable. As a result of the project the Museum will develop into a modern, forward-looking organisation fit for the future. Capital works will deliver urgent refurbishments to make the best use of the building, improve visitor facilities, ensure accessibility for all, and transform the visitor experience. The redevelopment will make a positive and lasting difference to national heritage and the communities we serve. Discover more about our aims and view our plans by clicking below.
