IWM has been collecting for over 100 years. We make our unique collections relevant to contemporary audiences across our five branches, by creating vivid personal stories and powerful physical experiences to engage visitors of all ages with the issues of war and conflict.

In 2010-15 IWM carried out a five-year Collections Review to assess all its holdings and make strategic plans to develop the collections. This review was designed to take a critical look at the collections and make sure that we continue to develop them in such a way that they can contribute to the public’s understanding of the experience and force of war.

During the Collections Review our specialist curators, archivists and librarians assessed the material in their care and decided how they wanted to develop IWM’s collections for the future. They proposed specific key acquisitions and made recommendations for some objects to be dispersed of.

The Collections Review culminated in a dispersal programme that is now being implemented across all IWM branches. Specialist staff are also working on the redevelopment of our galleries and building our collections.

Throughout the review, information and opinions were gathered from visitors and stakeholders. If you have a question about the programme, check our FAQs page.

More Information

  • FAQs

    Read our Frequently Asked Questions

  • Dispersals

    Information on our Disposals policy