Welcome to the new Collection test site

The Australian War Memorial's National Collection contains more than 500,000 items documenting Australia's military history, including letters, diaries, photographs, objects, artworks, film, sound recordings and archival records.

The collection is used by researchers, veterans, family historians, students, teachers and visitors across Australia and around the world.

We want to make it easier for everyone to discover and explore these stories wherever they are. This test site is the first step towards a modern online collection experience, built on updated technology that delivers improved image quality, more current collection information, and a mobile-friendly, accessible interface.

Why we're releasing a test site

We're releasing the Collection test site so people can start exploring it sooner.

As a test site, it is still being developed, and we'll continue improving functionality, adding content and responding to user feedback.

Your feedback will play an important role in helping us refine the experience and shape the future Collection website.

What's new?

Higher quality images

Many images are now available in much higher resolution than on the current website. You can zoom in to examine details such as brushstrokes in paintings, insignia on uniforms and markings on historical objects.

Up-to-date records

Updates made by our curatorial staff are reflected on the website within 24 hours, helping ensure collection information is accurate and current.

What's next?

We're continuing to improve the new Collection website.

As this is a test site, some records, images, media and functionality may not yet be available while collection data is migrated, reviewed and improved.

Some material identified by our curatorial staff as potentially distressing has not yet been published. We expect to make this content available in the coming months, together with appropriate warnings and viewing safeguards.

The current Collection search will remain available until mid-2027 while development continues. During this period, both sites will operate alongside one another as we continue to improve and expand the new Collection website.

Tell us what you think

Your feedback will play an important role in helping us refine the experience and shape the new Collection website.

If you find something that does not work as expected, notice information that appears incorrect, or have suggestions for improvement, we'd like to hear from you.

Use the "Report a problem or provide feedback" link found at the top and bottom of every page. The form will automatically include the page you were viewing, making it easier for us to investigate and respond.