Since 1852, Auckland Museum has been amassing a world-class, encyclopaedic collection. We have always depended upon the generosity and support of everyday New Zealanders: in the 1920s, financial subscriptions raised by Aucklanders in remembrance of their war dead enabled the construction of what is considered one of the country's finest heritage buildings—our current home atop Pukekawa in the Auckland Domain.
The Museum's collection now comprises some three million objects and counting, each telling a story that helps interpret, understand, and illuminate the history of Aotearoa and its people. We welcome donation proposals that would fit within our current Collection Development Plan and enhance our existing collections.
Please note that, for a variety of reasons, we cannot accept all proposed donations. When considering a donation, we must take into account existing holdings, and the object's relevance to our collection development plans. Storage space and staff resourcing are also kept in mind: sometimes, after careful consideration by our curatorial experts, we will decline an offer—particularly if we already hold a good example of a particular kind of object, as we are unlikely to require duplicates.
Importantly, we cannot accept unsolicited donations. Instead of bringing or sending items directly to the Museum, please first make an enquiry using this form. Please only send objects to us once instructed to do so; objects sent without prior consultation may be disposed of. Due to the large number of donations we receive every year, there can be delays in the process, although we aim to deal with enquiries in as timely a manner as possible.
In order to donate objects, you must have legal ownership of them—or, if you are not the legal owner, you must have the owner's documented permission to donate to us on their behalf. Please note that legal ownership is separate from copyright, which is covered in more detail below.