Wargaming and World of Warships are once again mixing gaming with real-world history through the return of the annual Longest Night of Museums live stream, alongside a new tribute marking the 85th anniversary of the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck.
Now in its sixth year, the Longest Night of Museums event will stream on June 15, 2026, through the official World of Warships Twitch channel. The stream is being held in conjunction with Europe’s Museum Night festival, during which cultural institutions and museums stay open late into the evening for special public programs.
This year’s broadcast focuses on one of naval warfare’s most transformative weapons: the torpedo. Over roughly four hours, the live stream will explore 160 years of torpedo development, from the first self-propelled designs by Robert Whitehead in the 19th century to the sophisticated guided weapons of the Cold War era.
Seven museums are set to participate, with each examining a different chapter of torpedo history. Those participating include the US Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Washington; Norway’s Oscarsborg Fortress; HMS Cavalier at The Historic Dockyard in Chatham, United Kingdom; and the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney.
According to organizers, viewers will be able to take part in live Q&A sessions with museum staff, see rare artifacts and restored exhibits, and watch documentary-style segments produced with military history partners.
The event will also include in-game content for World of Warships players. A new torpedo-themed combat mission challenges users to complete objectives centered on torpedo attacks, detection and flooding damage. Rewards include themed camouflage items and in-game containers.
Alongside the museum live stream, Wargaming has released a commemorative video exploring the final days and enduring legacy of Bismarck, one of the most famous battleships of the Second World War.
Commissioned by Germany in 1940, Bismarck quickly became a major concern for the British Royal Navy, due to its threat to Allied convoys in the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel achieved infamy during the Battle of the Denmark Strait in May 1941, where it sank HMS Hood, the pride of the Royal Navy.
However, the victory was short-lived. British naval forces subsequently launched an intense pursuit operation, culminating in aerial attacks by Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers that crippled Bismarck‘s steering. On May 27, 1941, the vessel sunk in the North Atlantic after sustained attacks.
To accompany the anniversary, World of Warships has introduced the new “Hunt for Bismarck” in-game event. Players can unlock several historically inspired rewards, including Bismarck ’41, HMS Prince of Wales, and Eiserner Kanzler, a special camouflaged version of Bismarck modeled after the damage sustained during the battleship’s final battle.
Additional cosmetic rewards include themed commanders, destruction effects and alternative ship camouflages.
More from us: Major Donation Drives The Tank Museum’s King Tiger Fundraising Appeal Close to Halfway Point
The Longest Night of Museums live stream begins June 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM UTC on Twitch. The Bismarck anniversary video is available now on World of Warship‘s official YouTube channel.