IWM Collections

IWM's exceptional Art collection is one of the most important representations of twentieth century British art in the world

IWM holds a large collection of published material relating to twentieth and twenty-first-century conflict.

Our documents cover a wealth of personal experience and testimony, both British and foreign, as well as official records.

IWM cares for over 155,000 three-dimensional objects.

Our constantly growing collection now extends to over 23,000 hours of moving images.

IWM holds approximately 11 million photographs covering the cause, course and consequences of modern conflict from the First World War to present day.

The Sound Archive holds over 33,000 recordings relating to conflict since 1914. This consists of the largest oral history collection of its type in the world, with contributions from both service personnel and non-combatants as well as significant holdings of speeches, sound effects, broadcasts, poetry and music.

The museum archive manages IWM’s own administrative records, which date back to its foundation in 1917. They are public records and researchers may search some of the records online or book an appointment at the IWM London Research Room to consult these records.

Donated objects are recorded, preserved and cared for to the highest standards. However, this comes at a high cost, forcing us to be selective about what we can now accept into our keeping.

Find out how IWM is safeguarding our collection for future generations.

Our loans programme is one of the ways IWM shares its collections, knowledge and skills with organisations worldwide. IWM lends material from its exceptional collections to museums across the UK and abroad.