Explore the New Virtual 3D Tour of the Lord Ashcroft VC and GC Gallery

Discover the Lord Ashcroft VC and GC Gallery

On November 11, 2025, a remarkable new virtual 3D tour of the Lord Ashcroft VC and GC Gallery was launched, coinciding with Armistice Day. This virtual experience comes shortly after the physical gallery, located at the Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London, closed its doors to visitors just weeks prior.

Over the past 40 years, Lord Ashcroft has amassed the world's largest collection of Victoria Crosses, boasting over 240 awards, along with a smaller collection of George Crosses. These honors rank as the most esteemed awards for bravery in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. The Lord Ashcroft Gallery had showcased this impressive collection for 15 years before IWM made the decision to close the exhibit on September 30, 2025.

Lord Ashcroft expressed his dismay upon learning about the closure, which echoed the sentiments of many who were equally affected. Recognizing the significance of the gallery, he decided to take initiative against its loss. In his words, "I was heartbroken when I found out about the decision by IWM. However, upon seeing how many others were also distressed by the news, I decided to act."

With the unveiling of this extraordinary virtual tour, Ashcroft aims to ensure that visitors can engage with the heroism and stories behind his medal collection just as they would have if the gallery at IWM had remained open. "I am thrilled to introduce this exceptional virtual tour, which brings to life the spirit of the gallery that once was. I wish to thank all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this wonderful project to fruition over the last few months," he remarked.

This new online gallery promises to offer dozens of inspiring narratives about courage. Lord Ashcroft’s collection reflects the most significant wars and conflicts over the past 170 years, starting with the Crimean War, the bitter struggle that led to the establishment of the Victoria Cross.

In the future, the IWM will pivot its focus towards diversity and other contemporary themes. Conversely, Ashcroft’s website will spotlight courage, particularly highlighting the recipients of the prestigious Victoria and George Crosses—extraordinary individuals whom he fervently refers to as "the bravest of the brave."

Among the accolades in Lord Ashcroft’s impressive Victoria Cross collection is one of only three medals awarded along with bar devices, which is equivalent to two Victoria Cross medals granted since its inception by Queen Victoria in 1856 for outstanding bravery against the enemy.

The virtual tour can be accessed at LordAshcroftMedalCollection.com. This site will eventually contain comprehensive information about all items in Lord Ashcroft’s Medal Collection. Besides the Victoria and George Crosses, he also maintains an exceptional assortment of Special Forces medals and decorations for airborne bravery.

Plans are currently underway to explore avenues for making both the Victoria and George Cross collections, along with potentially other medal collections, publicly accessible once again. Lord Ashcroft is eager for as many people as possible to enjoy them in the coming years and decades. Updates regarding future exhibitions will be announced on his new website.

Over the past two decades, Lord Ashcroft has championed bravery, delivering numerous lectures on the subject and authoring seven books in his "Heroes" series, predominantly based on his own medal collections.

The newly launched virtual tour of the Lord Ashcroft VC and GC Gallery is just a click away at lordashcroftmedalcollection.com. Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is an international businessman, philanthropist, author, and opinion researcher. For more about his work, visit lordashcroft.com and for insights on bravery, see lordashcroftonbravery.com. Follow him on social platforms @LordAshcroft.