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Donate an object

We’d love to hear from you if you have an item that you think might be perfect for our collection, but please don’t bring it to the museum or send it by post without arranging with us first.

How to donate to the collection

So that we can determine whether the museum would make a good home for your item, you’ll need to send us as much information as you can via email to collections@scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk. If possible, please include a photograph with your description.

Please note, the Science and Industry Museum is not currently accepting archive donations. We will look at this periodically and will update this webpage with further information when the current situation changes.

Before you contact us, please be aware that:

  • We don’t usually accept items on long-term loan.
  • We can’t accept items with specific conditions attached.
  • We can’t accept hazardous items unless there are compelling reasons. Hazardous items include firearms, objects containing asbestos, and explosive, flammable, poisonous, potentially carcinogenic or radioactive material.
  • For information on how we manage the Science Museum Group Collection, please visit the Managing the collection page.

We aim to respond within 20 working days.

What happens if your item is accepted?

  • Your item will be stored with appropriate environmental conditions.
  • It may be included in temporary exhibitions or loaned to other accredited institutions.
  • It will also be available for research by our curators and visitors.

Your item may be more useful as part of our handling collection. In this case, we’ll ask your permission to add it to this valuable resource.

Why we might say no to your offer?

We’re not able to accept everything that is offered to us, so if we don’t accept your item, please don’t be offended. It may be for one of the following reasons:

  • We already have a similar item in our collection.
  • The item does not meet the criteria of our Collections Development Policy.
  • The item isn’t in good enough condition.
  • There isn’t enough information about the history of the item.

If your item is not suitable for our collection, we’ll try to advise you of another institution that may be interested.