Enemy Encounters in the Imperial War Museum’s Second World War Galleries

The Imperial War Museum’s (IWM) Second World War Galleries reframe traditional colonial narratives of the conflict and put the British experience of war into a wider global context. Bringing together objects, themes, and personal stories from around the world, the galleries challenge visitors to consider new perspectives on historical events and think critically about the boundary between enemy and ally. Using case studies from the gallery redevelopment, including the representation of Japanese victories across Asia and Pacific, the treatment of ‘enemy aliens’ and prisoners of war, and the bombing of civilians, this paper will explore how new curatorial and interpretive approaches, international consultation, strategic acquisitions and loans, and collaborative public forums have shaped the portrayal of the ‘enemy’ within a national war museum.