The International Bomber Command Centre provides a home for the collective story of Bomber Command. In doing so it creates a focus for the remembrance of bomber command and the role it, and thousands of airmen, played during WWII. These new displays complement other exhibitions and interpretive displays on offer at the other sites across the country by providing a permanent telling of the story that respects the contributions of veterans without avoiding some of the difficult questions associated with aerial conflict. In recognition of the ongoing legacy of Bomber Command the IBCC has been designed to accommodate adaptable exhibition and installation spaces for temporary and touring exhibition programmes.
The International Bomber Command Centre does not have an extensive collection of physical objects. Those it does have are used as gateways to personal experiences that illuminate the stories told within the galleries. As a result, digital media plays a key role in delivering the story content, allowing visitors to explore and experience parts of the Bomber Command story. The digital media exhibits are designed to be experiential and thought provoking. Based on academic research they present the story in a highly accessible manner, sometimes shocking, sometimes illuminating, but always interesting.
Visitors are encouraged to engage in thoughtful experiences and to leave with a greater appreciation of the complexities of Bomber Command, rather than straight ‘answers’ to big questions. The Centre provides opportunities for visitors to become part of the story by reflecting on the displays and responding to them. A successful visit to the International Bomber Command Centre will be the start of a learning journey that encourages visitors to explore further, for example by accessing web resources or visiting other aviation heritage sites.