Collecting is a thoughtful and deliberate process at the National Museum of Australia, where we tell the diverse stories of Australian life and experience.
Like museums across the globe, we regularly review the objects held in our care. This helps us better understand the collection and makes sure we are investing our resources in caring for the objects that best tell our stories now and into the future.
As we review our collection we identify some items that are no longer suitable to remain in our care. The process of removing them is called deaccessioning. Collection deaccessioning is an essential part of sustainable collection management.
Objects for gift or transfer
Some deaccessioned objects have been identified as being suitable for gift or transfer to appropriate organisations. Interested organisations are encouraged to submit an expression of interest.
If you have any inquiries about this process or selected objects, please email collectionreview@nma.gov.au
What is a collection review?
A collection review is a methodical assessment of objects and is an essential part of good museum practice.
Curators research the history of each object and document how and why it came into the collection. They assess the object's historical, scientific, aesthetic or social significance, and look at its condition.
After careful review, some objects may be removed from the collection, in a process called deaccessioning.
What is deaccessioning?
Deaccessioning is the formal process of removing an object from the Museum’s collection.
Every object or group of objects proposed for removal undergoes detailed research and curatorial assessment. There are several layers of investigation and approval before an object recommended for deaccessioning goes to the Museum's Director and Council for a final decision.
This rigorous process ensures that decisions are transparent, accountable and in the public interest. It is governed by our Collection deaccessioning and disposal policy.
Why remove objects at all?
Removing objects is a vital part of responsible and sustainable collection management. There are many reasons an object might no longer be a good fit for the Museum’s collection.
An object may be a duplicate or lack enough documentation for curators to determine its history or significance.
Other objects may be damaged beyond repair or deteriorated to the extent their significance is diminished, and they can no longer effectively tell stories.
Some objects pose a danger to people or other items in the collection. Objects that include asbestos or volatile chemicals, or that are radioactive, can make storage and display difficult or unviable.
Has the Museum deaccessioned before?
The Museum has undertaken deaccessioning as part of its ongoing collection management strategy since it was established. You can read about previous deacessioning in the Museum’s annual reports.
What about First Nations material?
No First Nations cultural or historical objects are currently being considered for deaccessioning.
Any future procedures and processes for reviewing First Nations material will be developed in consultation with relevant communities and stakeholders, as part of the Museum's commitment to respectfully engage with and consult First Nations communities to better understand and care for the many significant objects in our care.
What happens to deaccessioned objects?
The Museum tailors its approach to removing each object or group of objects.
In line with the Collection deaccessioning and disposal policy the Museum first attempts to make contact with the original donor or their descendants with an offer to return the item into their care. The exception to this is where an object was gifted under the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, formerly the Tax Incentives for the Arts Scheme. In this case the object cannot be returned to the donor as they have received the benefit of a tax deduction for the gift.
The Museum also prefers to give objects to other museums or institutions, where they may have meaning to a state or community. The aim is to increase public access to and appreciation of those objects under consideration.
If returning or gifting objects are not viable options, and they have market value, they may be sold. This gives the Museum the opportunity to reinvest the proceeds into caring for the collection.
As a last resort, objects with no significance, in a degraded condition or that contain significant hazards are transferred to waste disposal, with careful consideration of public safety and environmental sustainability.
The considered and ongoing review of objects remains an important part of ensuring the Museum continues to build and reframe its collection for the 21st century.
Who is eligible to receive objects from the Museum?
The Museum follows strict protocols around deaccessioning and disposal, and is primarily seeking to transfer objects to organisations with adequate resourcing and intentions for public access. This includes state or community museums, historical societies, heritage organisations and non-commercial entities with a mission to represent Australian history.
National Museum of Australia staff, Council members or volunteers past or present, are not eligible to personally receive objects.
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