At Imperial War Museums, we aim to provide the widest possible access to our outstanding collection, be that printed material, documents, sound, film, photographs or works of art. You can search our holdings through Collections Search before you arrive, to make sure you get the most from your planned visit.

Should you wish to visit us in order to consult in more depth one or more items from the collection, we offer the following services.

IWM Library stacks showing files
© IWM
IWM London
Library & Research Room
To access our documents and sound archive, library, digital resources and IWM administrative records, please make an appointment for the Research Room at IWM London (advanced booking is essential).
Overlapping photographs of German lines being studied
© IWM (Q 8533)
IWM London
Photograph research
To research our photograph collection please book an appointment for the Research Room at IWM London (Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. Advanced booking is essential.)
Colourised footage artistic rendition 2018 - THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD by WingNut Films with Peter Jackson. Original black and white film © IWM
Colourised footage artistic rendition 2018 - THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD by WingNut Films with Peter Jackson. Original black and white film © IWM
IWM London
Film research
For commercial film researchers, we have a team of experienced specialist curators who can offer assistance.
IWM Duxford
Object research
IWM's collection of three-dimensional objects includes uniforms and equipment, weapons and ammunition, orders, medals and decorations, flags, insignia and ephemera. Please note that much of this material is held at IWM Duxford and has to be viewed there.
IWM London
Works of art
As we work to improve our research and access offer, we are presently unable to accommodate requests to view artworks and posters in store. During this transformation process, we can consider viewings where the requester can demonstrate extenuating circumstances, including specific connections to artists or sitters in the collection, or significance to postgraduate research projects.

 

 

Activator Volunteer Service

Following the closure of Explore History a new volunteer based information service will launch in the atrium at IWM London on 2 September. Activator Volunteers will be on hand to assist visitors with general enquiries and advise on navigation of the IWM website in order to make research room appointments, trace family history, and offer donations to the museum.

Please note that Activator Volunteer availability may vary.