Identify an animal or object
We can identify specimens and objects that relate to Museums Victoria's collections and research areas of Science, Indigenous Cultures and Australian History and Technology.
Before you contact us, please read the following information:
Science specimens
Please provide all the information you can about the specimen, including when and where it was found or collected.
Rocks and minerals
We may be able to identify some rocks and minerals with good quality photographs and detailed information about the locality of the find. In many cases, detailed identifications will not be possible from photographs and locality alone. We will endeavour to assist you with other services or resources where we cannot provide an identification.
Please submit your specimen to us online.
Animals and fossils
We can only identify animals and fossils with detailed locality information and a good quality photo.
Please submit this information to us by email, attaching a photo using our enquiry form, or by post.
Manufactured or hand-crafted objects
For all other objects, manufactured or natural, we require a good quality photo in the first instance. When taking photos, please position a ruler beside the object to provide a sense of scale. It is also helpful to take photos from several different angles.
Please provide us with as much information as you can about the object, including, where known:
- What is the history of the object?
- When, where and by whom was it made, owned or used?
- In what condition is the object?
- What are its dimensions?
- Any other information (e.g. any distinguishing features, serial numbers, trademarks)
Please do not post precious objects, precious documents or photographs. Museums Victoria does not accept any responsibility for items sent to us by post.
Please submit your photos and provenance information by email, by post, or use our online enquiry form.
Postal address
Museums Victoria
PO Box 666
Melbourne VIC 3001
Australia
