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MI5's First Public Exhibition Showcases 115 Years of Espionage History

The unprecedented collaboration with The National Archives reveals declassified files, artefacts, and stories of both triumphs and failures, opening April 5, 2025, in London.

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A document containing names of original members of the British Security Intelligence Service is displayed, which forms part of ‘MI5: Official Secrets’, a new exhibition exploring the history of the British intelligence agency, at The National Archives in London, Britain, April 1, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville
A photograph of British Girl Guides from 1918, who were deployed to help MI5 during World War One is displayed, which forms part of ‘MI5: Official Secrets’, a new exhibition exploring the history of the British intelligence agency, at The National Archives in London, Britain, April 1, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville
A telephone used by central government and intelligence departments during World War Two is displayed, and forms part of ‘MI5: Official Secrets’, a new exhibition exploring the history of the British intelligence agency, at The National Archives in London, Britain, April 1, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville

Overview

  • The 'MI5: Official Secrets' exhibition at The National Archives marks the agency's first public showcase of declassified files and artefacts, running from April 5 to September 28, 2025, with free admission.
  • Highlights include historic items like Guy Burgess's briefcase, Karl Muller's lemon used for invisible ink, and early spy equipment such as MI5’s first camera.
  • The exhibition explores MI5's key operations, including the successful Double Cross deception during WWII and its infamous failures, such as the Cambridge Five spy ring and Anthony Blunt's immunity deal.
  • Modern artefacts on display reflect MI5's shift from counterespionage to counterterrorism, including a PIRA mortar bomb and a recreated bomb made from an instant camera.
  • MI5 Director General Sir Ken McCallum emphasized the agency's evolving commitment to transparency and public trust, acknowledging both its achievements and past mistakes.