IWM Collections

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

IWM welcomes gifts of historic material. Public generosity has helped to grow IWM's collections since our foundation in 1917.

Find out how IWM safeguards its collections 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.