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Frequently Asked Questions


What is considered a museum acquisition?
The formal, official acceptance of a piece into the museum’s collection. Unsolicited pieces sent to a wallet controlled by a museum are not considered part of a museum’s collection.

What is the difference between an acquisition, a purchase, a donation, and a gift?
Acquisition means taking possession of a piece. That might happen through a purchase or a donation, which might also be referred to as a gift. A museum acquiring a piece does not inherently mean they bought it, and most often pieces are acquired through donations.