How to Find Museums That Will Buy Art

Museums regularly add to their collections but have limits of space and budget. Each year museums determine what they buy and who they buy from based on recommendations from collection organizations and authentication certification groups. Working with one of these groups directly is the fastest way to sell your art.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Contact the International Council of Museums. The International Council of Museums is a governing body that provides museums with authentication of museum acquisitions through scientific research and education.
2. Get in touch with the Archeological Institute of America for help finding a museum home for your art or artifacts.
3. Research museums you're interested in and find out what the museum purchased in the past year.
4. Contact the curator's office of different museums in your area. Most museums have art and artifact buyers on staff. Schedule an appointment with an art buyer for information on who they buy from and what they're looking for.
5. Look up the museums you are interested in on the Internet and go to their recent acquisitions page. Many museums list recent acquisitions in order to promote an exhibit and look for more pieces in that era, by a particular artist or a certain genre.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your homework before soliciting any museum art buyer. You should know what you've got and if it is a valuable addition to an existing collection. If you have modern pieces or want to sell your own art, setting up a gallery exhibition is a good first step.

Who Can Help:

• Find Decorators & Designers Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.