Some things must never be lost.

We preserve humanity's memory – for generations to come.

Svalbard mountains above the blue ocean.

Why AWA?

Civilization only remembers what someone chose to keep.

We are the ones who keep it – for memory institutions, endangered communities and future generations who can't do it themselves.

Read our full mission →
Two members of the AWA team carrying deposit boxes inside the Arctic vault.

Here's what we've helped preserve…

GitHubVatican LibraryYale logoUnicef logoMuseo Da PessoaNorwegian Armed Forces LogoEsaModerna MuseetArkivverket

Built to outlast us

Preservation here isn't only a promise – it is also physics.

A medium that outlives the machine

Data on ultra-durable piqlFilm, readable for centuries – no electricity or software required.

A vault made by nature

Deep in a decommissioned Svalbard mine: permafrost, low seismic activity, one of the most remote places on Earth.

A neutral structure

Held by an independent foundation, protected from commercial takeover and kept accessible for all.

See how preservation works →
Entrance to the Arctic World Archive vault in Svalbard.

The memory of our civilization shouldn't depend on luck.

We only have what those before us chose to save.

Help us protect it for those who come next.

Support the mission Looking to preserve your own personal data for the ultra long-term? →