Ceramic Poppy Display Commemorates 80th Anniversary of WWII’s Conclusion with 30,000 Flowers
A memorial exhibition at the Tower of London celebrates the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. Showcasing a visually impactful collection of nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies, the installation serves as a heartfelt and stunning tribute to the significant sacrifices made by countless individuals during wartime.
This vast array of poppies was crafted by artist Paul Cummins, initially for a 2014 exhibition entitled Blood Swept Lands and Seas Red. It first premiered at the Tower of London before being transferred to the Imperial War Museums. Currently, the flowers have made a temporary return, cascading across the lawn at the historic White Tower. The extensive installation was designed by Tom Piper, who arranged the small sculptures in a crater shape that radiates outward, symbolizing a wound and a scar.
While the poppies serve as a symbol of remembrance for World War II as a whole, their location at the Tower of London holds particular significance. The fortress, now designated a World Heritage site, was itself subjected to bombing during the war. As visitors roam through the tower, they inevitably encounter the poppies in various arrangements. At times, the flowers are so densely packed together that they resemble a singular red wave. Other sculptures are spaced apart more distinctly.
The arrangement functions as a metaphor. War impacts all of us, from those on the front lines—those closest to the epicenter of tragedy—to the family members and friends making their own sacrifices while awaiting the return of soldiers. The poppies encourage profound reflection and commemoration during this solemn anniversary.
The poppies installation is set to open on May 6, 2025, and will conclude on November 11, 2025, aligning with Remembrance Day, which commemorates the armistice that ended World War I. To view the flowers before they disappear, check the Tower of London website for ticket details.
Exhibition Information:
May 6, 2025–November 11, 2025
Tower of London
London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
Tower of London: [Website](https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/historicroyalpalaces) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HRPalaces/)
Related Articles:
[New Book Gives an Insider’s Look at London’s Extensive Street Art Culture [Interview]](https://mymodernmet.com/london-street-art-book-giulia-riva/)
[My Modern Met’s Art + Culture Guide to London](https://mymodernmet.com/london-travel-guide/)
[AI Technology Colorizes Rare Video Footage of WWII London To Bring the Era to Life](https://mymodernmet.com/world-war-ii-video-footage/)