MuseumDepotShop: Heritage at Home

The MuseumDepotShop breathes new life into museum objects by bringing them into private homes. Many of the museums we have worked with have said that 10 to 15% of their collections can be deaccessioned. After a careful procedure, which follows strict regulations, museums can repurpose these objects by, for example, selling them to private individuals. Customers can bring a piece of the museum into their homes. This is also interesting for museums from a marketing perspective, because proud patrons will gladly talk about these objects and their backstories.

In the Netherlands, an increasing number of museums are working together with our foundation. After thorough research in Great Britain, the MuseumDepotShop will also enter the British market. In November 2019 and January 2020, we visited London and spoke with roughly 20 museums and related institutions. We concluded from these conversations that there is a need for an online platform in Great Britain such as the one already in operation in the Netherlands. Do you also want to meet with us?

Available in the UK soon

The launch of the MuseumDepotShop on April 9th, 2019 was successful and we are considering to establish an operation in the UK. In the last couple of months we have met with around 20 museums in London. We also spoke with the Museums Association. As a result of these meetings and discussions we decided to prepare for a new set-up in the UK.

Currently it has Letters of Intent with two museums, who are willing to repurpose objects through the MuseumDepotShop Foundation. Many other museums have shown interest in our activities and consider working with us. Please check the statement of the Ethics Committee on methods of sale of deaccessioned collection items.

Striving to be operational in the first quarter of 2022, whilst complying with all COVID-19 measures, the MuseumDepotShop Foundation is eager to speak to more museums.