We look forward to welcoming visitors to the National Memorial Arboretum this Easter holiday. Please be aware that planned improvement works on the A38 at Lichfield, in place from 27 March to 8 April, may affect some visitor road travel. The Arboretum will remain open daily as normal, from 10am – 5pm, and signposted diversion routes will remain in place to support journeys impacted.
From the haunting melody of the Last Post signalling silence, to poems like ‘In Flanders Fields ‘ by John McCrae, which inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance, art has shaped how we remember
At the National Memorial Arboretum, we use art to interpret complex stories with honesty and sensitivity, providing a safe space for discovery, reflection and understanding. From memorials that tell the stories of those remembered to exhibitions, poetry, film, performance and community installations, creativity is used here to offer new perspectives, invite conversation and ensures our stories are not only preserved but accessible to everyone.
This summer, as we mark 25 years since the Arboretum officially opened, visitors of all ages are invited to discover why art is so important to Remembrance.
Inspired by the stories we share the free programme will include:
Stones of Memory is a growing, participatory artwork taking shape throughout the summer. Together we build Remembrance, from individual tributes to a collection of memory.
Visitors are invited to decorate a stone, contributing their own memories to the evolving piece.
Pick up a Podcatcher audio device, to hear three newly commissioned sound pieces that bring Remembrance stories to life.
Sound stories will be shared by Arboretum associate partners Black Voices, Sampad, the South Asian arts charity and participants of Talent in the Ranks, the Arboretum’s Armed Forces community artist development programme.
Printed transcripts of all the pieces will be available on request.
A vibrant new piece of interactive family theatre, commissioned by the Arboretum and produced Bostin’ Creative, helps our youngest visitors discover more about Remembrance through imaginative storytelling.
Designed for children under 10, the performances offer a thoughtful introduction to Remembrance and the stories we share at the Arboretum. Advance booking will be required.
