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The University of Pennsylvania Museum upholds the spirit of the UNESCO convention for the protection of cultural properties. If an object meets the export guidelines of its country of origin, the University of Pennsylvania Museum may consider it for donation.

Procedures

Please include the following:

• A photograph of the object(s) including a ruler to indicate the size of the object(s). Amateur photos are acceptable; please contact us in advance it you wish to send digital images
• Information pertaining to the history or acquisition of the object(s.
  

All new acquisitions are reviewed by the Acquisitions Committee which confirms that objects:

1) meet legal and moral stipulations
2) are suitable for the collections
3) are adequately documented

The Acquisitions Committee meets twice a year (in the late spring and mid fall) and makes recommendations to the Director for final approval. For year-end donations, please submit all information no later than early December. The Museum has an extended Christmas holiday and will process last minute donations early in the following year unless special arrangements are made in advance with the Museum Registrar's Office.

Gifts to the University of Pennsylvania Museum are deductible from taxable income in accordance with the provision of Federal income tax law. However, Museum employees cannot give appraisals for the purpose of establishing the tax-deductible value of donated items. Appraisals must be secured by the donor at his/her expense. As such, the Museum maintains and can make available a list of local appraisers upon request.