Reviewing the Collection
Museum collections are at the heart of preserving our shared history, culture, and knowledge. Queensland Museum has been collecting objects and specimens that tell the story of Queensland since 1862, but over time, even the most carefully curated collections can require change. Items once thought essential to a museum’s mission can, as time passes, no longer align with its purpose or public needs.
Like all museums, we frequently add to and occasionally remove items from our collection. In 2023, Queensland Museum embarked on a collection rationalisation project to assess the significance and relevance of our vast collections, aligning them more closely with the museum’s mission and strategic objectives. It is an ongoing process that ensures our collections continue to tell compelling stories, can be sustainably cared for and serve the public benefit.
What is collection rationalisation?
Collection rationalisation is a methodical approach to understanding and realising the potential of museum collections that can improve and support the delivery of a range of museum functions and priorities and can lay the foundation for more sustainable practices in the future. It is a structured and measured process that ensures collections remain relevant, accessible, and effective in serving the public.
Collection rationalisation is not something that happens overnight. It is an ongoing process, often taking years to fully implement. It is linked to the museum's broader forward planning, not just looking at immediate needs but also long-term sustainability and relevance. This ensures our collections continue to reflect Queensland’s natural and cultural heritage, while also being accessible and useful to a broad range of audiences, including researchers, educators, and the general public.
Collection rationalisation is not about removing history—it’s about making sure that the history we do preserve is the most relevant and impactful. For Queensland Museum, it’s a chance to ensure that our collection remains a valuable and dynamic resource for future generations.
The benefits of collection rationalisation
Collection rationalisation allows us to better align our collections with our purpose: to celebrate the cultural, social, and natural heritage of Queensland.
Rationalisation ensures that the museum’s resources are used effectively, providing a clear and coherent narrative through its objects. By enhancing our understanding of the collection we can
increase accessibility by sharing collection items online and through engaging, informative, and thought-provoking displays and other public activities. It also allows the museum to future proof the collection through the identification of storage and conservation needs, allowing the allocation of resources to prioritised items.
Want to know more about collection rationalisation? Watch this great explainer by Museum Development South East.
Removal of items from the collection
The process of collection rationalisation will identify items no longer suitable for the State collection. The decision to remove an item from the collection follows a rigorous process of research and review, is governed by the Museum Act 1970 and follows the museum’s Deaccessioning and Disposal Procedure.
Our aim is that items removed from the collection are either returned to the donor or remain in the public domain, primarily through transfer to another collecting institution or public organisation. If attempts to return or transfer ownership are unsuccessful, we may sell items at public auction or destroy significantly damaged or hazardous items.
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