Loans or donations to museums

[Dave Grob]

In thinking about loaning items to a museum for display, you also have to realize that not all museums are the same. Larger, more established museums typically have a combination of permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary (topical displays) all running in conjunction with each other. These exhibits are planned for in advance and curated accounting for display space requirements, current or similar artifacts already on display/within the collection, graphics, etc. Their (the Museum’s) desire and willingness to accept and display your item (s) may largely depend on timing. For significant artifacts or collections, you may end up simply being told “thank you, but it just does not fit right now.” Don’t be discouraged by this, as I have had institutions contact me after the passing of time and requesting a loan as circumstances change.

Dave Grob