Ask Us coordinates all requests for access to Museums Victoria’s collections.
Many of the museum's collection objects can be viewed online, in our exhibitions, or in exhibition loans to other organisations.
We prioritise physical and research access to collections for source communities, donors, researchers, tertiary students and borrowing cultural institutions. Our capacity to provide physical access to collections for people with informal personal interests is limited.
Indigenous Cultures Collections
Collection access to Indigenous Cultures Collections is limited due to the volume and complexity of requests and the resources available to grant them.
At present, we are only able to consider collection access requests from First Peoples and First Nations communities.
Collection Loans
Organisations are encouraged to contact the museum well in advance (preferably 12 months or more) to discuss potential loans.
Library and Archives
Museums Victoria Library collection strengths include natural history in the fields of zoology, geology and palaeontology, Indigenous cultures, Australian history and culture, technology, colonial and other exhibition catalogues, museology, and other museum-related material. The library also houses a rare book collection specialising in early natural history titles.
Museums Victoria Archives document the administrative, collection, exhibition, education and research history of Museums Victoria.
Museums Victoria's Library and Archives are open to the public by appointment.
Some of our Library items are available on Inter Library Loan from your local public library or institution's library.
Requests
All requests for in-person access to the Museums Victoria collections must be made in writing.
Museums Victoria receives a large number of collection access enquiries. Cultural, professional and academic enquiries receive priority. We cannot guarantee that collection access will be possible in all cases.
