Object Donations

Have something you would like to donate to the Museum Collections?

Museum of the Bible is happy to consider any donation related to the Bible’s narratives, history, and global impact. If you have an object you would like us to consider, please read the Frequently Asked Questions and complete the donation form below.

The museum carefully reviews each donation offer it receives. This process can take several months. Please do not drop off or mail unsolicited objects to the museum. If you have additional questions, contact us at customerservice@mBible.org.

Frequently Asked Questions about Donations

Is Museum of the Bible accepting donations to its collection?

Yes! If you have something you would like us to consider, please read through these frequently asked questions and complete the donation form below. Please do not drop off or mail unsolicited objects to the museum. Unsolicited items left at or sent to the museum cannot be returned.

 What objects are you interested in collecting?

The museum will consider any object that helps us tell great stories and advances our mission to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible. However, we can only accept a limited number. Our decision is based on several factors, including:

  • ­  The object’s potential contribution to the museum’s mission
  • ­   Its ownership history
  • ­   Its uniqueness or potential to tell an interesting story
  • ­   Its fit with our existing collection
  • ­   Its physical condition

You can find more information about the museum collecting practices by reading our collections management policy here.

 Would you be interested in my old, printed Bible?

Printed Bibles often tell extraordinary stories, even though they are relatively common. The museum receives many donation offers of printed Bibles, but we are especially interested in those that fall within these categories: 

  • ­  Bibles owned by prominent individuals
  • ­  Bibles created or published outside of the United States and Europe
  • ­  Bibles connected to the history of and leaders in the African American churches and communities
  • ­  Bibles created or published by missionaries or missionary communities in the United States and abroad

Explore part of our collections here to see what types of objects we typically accept.

How can I donate an object to Museum of the Bible?

Please begin by completing the form at the bottom of this page. The museum does not accept unsolicited donations.

How long does the donation process take?

The museum carefully considers each object individually and makes its decision after review by staff members. This process normally takes between 4-6 weeks. However, due to the individual nature of the process, some objects may take longer to consider. 

Can I just drop something off at the door?

Thanks, but don't! The museum does not accept unsolicited donations. Please complete the form at the bottom of this page for consideration. Objects left at the museum cannot be returned.

What will Museum of the Bible do with my donation?

The museum uses objects in its collection in different ways, including its permanent and temporary exhibits, educational programming, and traveling exhibits in the US and abroad. We also provide research access to our collection for scholars, authors, students, and film makers. Sometimes the museum makes certain objects available to other institutions on short-term loan.

Will my donation ever be displayed?

The museum cannot guarantee any donation will be displayed. Our exhibits are planned years in advance and space within the museum is limited. This means only a small portion of our collection will ever be exhibited. However, once an object is accepted into the collection, it becomes available for a variety of projects. Whether or not it is ever displayed, your donation will contribute to the museum’s mission!

Will my donation be tax deductible?

Donations are fully tax deductible within IRS guidelines. Please consult a tax advisor for information regarding tax deductions. The museum complies with all local and federal tax laws regarding gifts.

Does the museum purchase objects for its collection?

On very rare occasions the museum may purchase items. However, we generally rely on the generosity of donors.

Will the museum appraise my object?

No, the museum does not offer appraisals.

Thank you for your interest in Museum of the Bible. We are happy to consider your offer, but please do not drop off or mail unsolicited objects to the museum. Tell us more using the form below.