Plan your Visit

World-class collection in a World-class museum

Second World War 1939 to 1945

When WW2 broke out, Coventry’s factories turned once again to producing vital supplies for the war effort. So-called ‘shadow factories’ had already been built in anticipation of war with Germany. Daimler, Rootes, Standard and a number of other Coventry firms operated them on behalf of the government, recruiting women to fill the roles as the city’s men signed up to fight again.

Coventry’s many factories made it a prime target for the Luftwaffe. On the 14th November 1940, the city was devastated by a prolonged aerial attack codenamed Moonlight Sonata by the Germans. Approximately 568 people died, 863 were badly injured and 4,300 homes were destroyed. Coventry’s medieval cathedral was set on fire at about 8pm – one of more than 200 fires that raged across the city.

A third of the city’s factories were destroyed or severely damage, but the effects on war production were only temporary, with many of the damaged factories getting back to full production just months following the raid.

Don't miss out on the latest from the Coventry Transport Museum

Home of Record Breakers

Coventry Transport Museum is home to the world's two fastest cars.

Marvel at these spectacular feats of British engineering.

Get up close to the two fastest cars in the world, Thrust SSC and Thrust 2.

Bring the curriculum to life!

Coventry Transport Museum's interactive exhibitions make the perfect venue for school visits in Coventry.

We offer a wide range of sessions for school groups, all 'Learning Outside The Classroom' quality assured.

We thoroughly believe there is no such thing as being too old for play!

Get involved in our ever-growing Family Programme around Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

We also have free to loan family activities which are available at the Box Office.