Frequently asked questions

We ask for your understanding if the response to your offer takes a little longer than expected. On the one hand, it is often necessary to research whether this or similar objects are already in the collection. Individual collection areas often comprise several thousand objects. A large proportion of the objects are in storage and parts of the collection have not yet been digitally photographed. A comparison is therefore often only possible by looking through files and photographic prints manually. This sometimes requires consultation with colleagues from neighbouring subject areas.

If the object is added to our collection, the handover is scheduled with you, the object is then measured, each part and accessory is documented individually, internal depot photos are taken and everything is stored in a database. The object is given a machine-readable tag. It is then taken to the depot or to an exhibition that is currently being created.

Sounds complicated or bureaucratic? Due to the size of the Deutsches Museum and the scope of the collection (approx. 125,000 objects as of 2021 and constantly growing), this process is invaluable when it comes to finding objects and maintaining an overview.

If we already own your object or similar objects, we may refuse to accept them. As you can see from the inventory process described above, every object that is added to the collection of the Deutsches Museum involves a considerable amount of work. In addition, storage space is limited. Another frequent reason for rejection is the demand for a purchase price. As a rule, the Deutsches Museum is dependent on donations due to its tight budget.

If you decide to donate an object, it becomes the property of the Deutsches Museum and remains there permanently. Loans from private individuals only make sense for the Deutsches Museum in the rarest of cases.

Unfortunately, we cannot make this commitment. We have more objects than can be exhibited at the same time. Many objects are therefore stored in the depot, but can be considered for all exhibitions or for special exhibitions during our current modernisation. However, even without an exhibition, renowned researchers have the opportunity to view our collection and incorporate it into their work, so that preserving the object for future generations also makes perfect sense.

Normally: no. We do not install new components in an appliance or repair one appliance with parts from another. As a rule, we want to keep the object in its original condition (or in the condition in which it was handed over). For demonstration purposes in exhibitions, it is usually not practical to run original appliances. Replicas or special demonstrations are normally developed for this purpose.

No, this is the task of sworn experts or auction offices. If we record values internally, it is for insurance purposes. These figures have nothing to do with possible maximum prices in collectors' circles.

Please do not visit without an appointment and do not make a donation without prior acceptance from our side. Due to the procedure described above, no objects may be accepted by curators or at the museum gate without prior agreement.