Second World War and Holocaust Galleries, IWM London

An exhibition is not always the best way to absorb information. This is especially true if the subject is as serious as the biggest war in history and the genocide that took place as part of it. The new IWM galleries make thorough use of space. As well as large physical objects, floors are decorated with military maps of Europe and elsewhere. With their new Second World War and Holocaust galleries, which opened in late October, the Imperial War Museum seems to be aware of this. And although emphasis is very much on size – the galleries cost £30.7 million and span vast amounts of floor space – there is also some recognition that going big has its downsides. ‘It can be a lit