Thinking of donating an item to the collection? Get in touch with us.

National Museums Scotland Collecting Strategy

The Museum cares for over 12 million collection items built up over more than two centuries of collecting and we continue to welcome and value offers of donations to the collection. However we are unable to accept everything that is offered to us. We need to know more about the item(s) so that we can assess their suitability for the collection.

How to offer an object to our collections

Please use the object donation form on this page to tell us about the material you would like to offer.

• Provide us with as much information as possible about the objects themselves and how you acquired them.
• We will assess your offer and contact you if we are interested.
• Objects from American donors may be eligible for favourable tax treatment in the US. Please note your interest on the Object Donation Form and we can provide further details.

Our collecting decisions are influenced by various factors including:

• We have particular themes and priorities for collecting, as detailed in our Collections Development Strategy.
• We cannot acquire material where current ownership is unknown or could be disputed.
• Items are not commonly accepted with specific conditions attached.
• The Museum does not typically accept items on long-term loan.
• Unless there are compelling and legitimate reasons, items containing hazardous materials are not accepted (for example, firearms, asbestos containing objects, explosive, poisonous, radioactive material).

If your donation is suitable for the collection, is in good condition with good title, we will accept it for the collection.

• In some circumstances your donation may be more appropriate for work with educational groups and, with your permission, it would not be accessioned but would form part of our valued "handling" collection.
• It may be that for a number of reasons we cannot accept your offer. Please do not be offended. It could be that we already have a similar item in the collection or it is an item that we do not collect, although another museum might. Our staff will be able to advise you in this case.

Please note we aim to respond to all offers within one month.