Exhibition
Victory in 1945 – The Gurkha Museum Summer Exhibition
Due to shortage of staff, the last day of the summer exhibition will be on the 29 August.
As part of the nation’s VJ80 celebrations, you are invited to come and commemorate the contributions of Gurkha units and individual soldiers in 1945 in helping secure the end of the Second World War.
During your visit to The Gurkha Museum Trust’s 2025 summer exhibition you will experience:
- Inspiring personal stories of Gurkha bravery and sacrifice in Burma (modern-day Myanmar) during the final stages of the Second World War.
- Unique artefacts and original wartime documents accompanied by with expert interpretation.
- Firsthand accounts describing life as prisoners of war in the Far East, bringing to the fore voices from the ‘Forgotten Army’.
- Engaging challenges and family activities designed for all ages.
- Opportunity to reflect and remember those who endured the horrors of the Second World War eighty years ago.
- Chance to see the plans for the forthcoming redevelopment and visit the public galleries for the final time in their current layout before renovation starts (known by its Nepali name Project Kaida).
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Conversations with our collection team on 8 and 22 August to gain additional historical context and deeper understanding of the significance of the Gurkhas’ contributions in 1945.
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Supporting VJ80 celebrations and our summer exhibition there are family activity days (5 and 27 August) and a coffee morning for veterans (28 August).
The exhibition coincides with the national commemorations of VJ80 and shines a spotlight on the Gurkhas’ often forgotten role in the final Allied efforts in the Far East. It also highlights the personal courage and endurance of these soldiers during the final months and in the immediate aftermath of conflict.
This exhibition is a fitting finale to our Path to Victory series where The Gurkha Museum Trust has counted down the Gurkhas’ actions from January to August 1945 with researched articles and events.
The summer exhibition will be held in our Gallery on the second floor of The Gurkha Museum, former Peninsula Barracks, Winchester (SO23 8TS). The summer exhibition is running from 1000 hrs on Friday 1 August until 1600 hrs Saturday 30 August 2025. Entry to the 2025 summer exhibition is included with admission to the Museum. Admission to The Gurkha Museum is free for serving and retired Brigade of Gurkhas personnel (with ID card), Friends of The Gurkha Museum, and children (under 16 years old).
We look forward to welcoming you between 1 and 30 August (1000 hrs to 1600 hrs) to celebrate this pivotal 80th anniversary at the home of Gurkha heritage.
