Are you looking to donate something to Inverness Museum?
We welcome donations from the public to help develop and enrich our collections. We would be delighted to hear from you if you have something you want to offer the museum.
However, please note that we cannot accept every item offered. We avoid duplicating material and only collect objects that fit within our Collections Development Policy. As museum objects are cared for in perpetuity (forever and ever!), we must also consider practical factors, such as available space and resources.
In some cases, we may suggest another museum or archive repository as a more suitable home for your item. Alternatively, we may suggest adding it to our handling collection for educational use rather than being accessioned into a permanent collection. We will discuss this with you before accepting the donation.
Donations we will consider
Our core collections focus on the natural and human history of the Highlands, from archaeology to art. Items can be of any material or age, but they must have a clear Highland connection. To find out more about the different types of objects we collect, visit our collections categories page.
To help us make a decision about the item/s you are offering to donate, please provide as much information as possible. Does the object tell a new story or enhance an existing one? Does it shed light on under-represented people or histories? Does it show exceptional craftsmanship or cultural significance?
If you have photographs or documentation related to the item, we are happy to accept those too - or we can take copies if you prefer to keep the originals.
Donations we cannot accept
- Long-term loans (except in exceptional cases)
- Items with restrictive conditions, e.g. 'permanent display' requirements
- Objects in very poor or decaying condition
- Hazardous items, including those containing asbestos, explosives, flammable, poisonous, carcinogenic, or radioactive materials (although there are also exceptions to this)
Please note we also cannot provide valuations. If you require a valuation of your potential donation, e.g. for tax purposes, please contact a reputable antiques dealer or auction house.
What happens if your object is accepted?
You will receive a receipt (Entry Form), and we will discuss how you would like to be acknowledged. If your item is accessioned into the museum collection, it will be given a unique reference number and cared for in perpetuity.
With over 100,000 objects in our care, our exhibitions and displays are planned far in advance so please note that accepted objects might not go on display immediately. However, your item will be securely stored and may feature in future displays, temporary exhibitions, loans to other museums, or research projects as well as social media or our website. Whether on display or in store, items are available to view by appointment - visit our research services page to find out more.
Kari Moodie
If you are considering offering an object to the museum, please contact our collections curator
