Donating Objects to Our Collection

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Collection is a significant cultural asset that supports research, storytelling and learning across our organisation. We welcome enquiries from individuals considering offering an object to the Collection and invite you to find out more about the process below.
Explore the Collection

Our Acquisition Policy

We deeply appreciate the generosity of all potential donors. However, as a collecting organisation, we are unable to accept every object offered to us. The development of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Art & Heritage Collection is guided by a strategic Collections Policy, ensuring the Collection remains relevant, meaningful and sustainable.

Objects may be formally acquired and accessioned into the Collection through a range of methods, including:

  • Gift (donation, bequest, exchange or transfer)
  • Purchase
  • Commissioning
  • Field collection

We are particularly interested in objects that demonstrate one or more of the following:

  • A clear connection to one or more National Trust places and their people
  • Cultural heritage significance
  • Representation of Victoria’s diverse communities and lived experiences
  • The ability to complement or strengthen an existing collection
  • Themes in Victoria’s history that are not well represented elsewhere

Interpretation and Props Collection

In addition to our Art & Heritage Collection, we also collect objects for our Interpretation and Props Collection. These items are used in education programs, exhibitions and hands-on public activities across Victoria. Objects in this collection are not formally accessioned and do not form part of the Art & Heritage Collection.

How to Offer an Object

Please do not leave objects at National Trust properties without contacting us first. To help us assess whether an object meets our acceptance criteria, we ask that all offers be submitted via our online Object Offer Form.

Once your form has been received, a member of our Collections team will be in touch to discuss the next steps.

Please note that tax certificates are only issued for donations that meet the requirements of the Cultural Gifts Program.