I had plans to visit London and the National Archives this past April. The flights were booked, the Airbnb was lined up and then life intervened, and everything was put on hold. The archives will still be there next year, but one thing that won’t is the MI5: Official Secrets exhibition at Kew. I have to admit I am disappointed. I hadn’t even known it was planned—and now, looking at the overview, it looks like I’ll be missing something special.
The exhibition runs from 5 April to 28 September 2025, and is not your standard archival display. The National Archives had an espionage display set up a couple of years ago, in the area next to their gift shop. It had static displays in plexiglass containers, but that was about it. Interesting, but not all that engaging.
(From National Archives site)
The current exhibition, however, is sensory, tactile, and engaging. Visitors can wander between different areas: watch a video on how MI5 worked with Downing Street, flip through facsimile intelligence files held by the National Archives, or walk through a recreation of Anthony Blunt’s flat. Some display items are even on loan from organizations like GCHQ and the Security Service (MI5) — both of which are usually cagey about sharing their artifacts.
I’m disappointed to miss this one, but if you’re anywhere near London, there’s still time. MI5: Official Secrets runs until 28 September 2025 at the National Archives, Kew. Don’t wait — once it closes, it’s gone.
Header Image: The National Archives
Thank you Giselle – i wasnt aware of this.
You are welcome!
I visited it last Thursday, Giselle. It was very well done, although I had a few quibbles with some of the inscriptions. The attendees I saw, for whom most of the information was probably fresh, seemed enrapt. I recommend anyone local to go and see it. I’m here for two weeks, and that was my first stop.
Sounds like a great exhibition. Sorry I won’t be able to see it. Enjoy the UK!