World Bank Group Archives

The Archives preserves the institutional memory of the World Bank Group and provides public access to records of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).

About Us

The Wolfensohn Legacy 30 Years On: Advancing Transparency and Development

The WBG Archives is launching a series of product releases and events to celebrate President Wolfensohn’s legacy and to draw attention and facilitate access to records from his presidency.
Announcement

Temporary Closure of WBG Archives Reading Room

The WBG Archives reading room will be closed from August 4 – October 3, 2025 to allow for a relocation of our offices.
Exhibit

Rising Together: The Creation and Legacy of the World Bank Group-IMF African American Association

In recognition of Black History Month, the World Bank Group Archives highlights the formation of an internal staff organization over thirty years ago and explores its evolution and influence within the Bank-Fund and local communities.
Description

The new series-level description includes more detailed information, a hierarchical view of the fonds' series, and inventory lists!
Profile

New! Development Reflections: Mike James - Exploring Health and Fitness at the World Bank Group

The newest subject of our Development Reflections series is Mike James! James discusses the role of fitness in the World Bank Group and the changes he has seen as head of the Fitness Center.
Discovery Tool

The WBG Archives has added new events to our Historical Timeline, including historical events, such as first development loan and President Wolfensohn's "Cancer of Corruption" speech, as well as more recent events covering President Malpass's presidency.

Flagship Discovery Tools

Archives Catalog

The Archives Catalog contains archival descriptions and provides access to digitized records.

The Multimedia Catalog provides access to thousands of photos and recordings documenting World Bank operations, presidents, official signings, and more.

The Oral History Program website contains transcripts, summaries, and audio clips of interviews with former World Bank staff.

Track World Bank membership over time and access historical profiles for every member country.

Archives Spotlight

Exhibit

Bretton Woods and the Birth of the Bank

On July 1, 1944, delegates from forty-four nations met in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire to agree on a new system of international cooperation. Learn more about this historic meeting and view folder lists of related archival records.

website

WBG Web Archives

The Web Archives provides access to World Bank websites that have been discontinued or significantly updated. Archived sites date from 1998 to the present.

Video

Uncover the Treasures of the Archives

This short promotional video describes the possibilities available to researchers when they “jump in and explore” the holdings of the World Bank Group Archives.

Website

Access Bank Group-authored reports, including Board Documents, Economic and Sector Work reports, project documents, and publications and research.

Website

Country Director Database

Contains country director data from 1972 to 2023.

Website

Projects & Operations

Provides contextual information for each World Bank project, past and present, as well as a folder list of archival records that relate to each project.