Art: Frequently Asked Questions

I have a question about a work in The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s collection and would like to speak to a curator.

Please email your question to ask@nelson-atkins.org. This is the best way to contact a curator. All correspondence received at this address will be routed to the appropriate member of the curatorial staff.

I have art that I would like to sell/loan/donate.

We do occasionally consider unsolicited works if they fit within our collecting priorities. If you have artwork that you are interested in selling/loaning/donating, please send images and detailed information about the work to ask@nelson-atkins.org. Offers of this nature are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Due to the large number of offers we receive, we cannot guarantee a response to your inquiry unless there is a serious interest in pursuing the work for acquisition. We ask that you do not bring or send any original artwork to the Museum as we cannot be held responsible for its safekeeping or its return.

I would like to submit an exhibition proposal to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Please email your exhibition packet to ask@nelson-atkins.org. The information will then be reviewed by museum leadership and staff. If there is any interest in hosting your exhibition, you will be contacted.

I want my work included in the museum’s collection. What is the museum’s submission process?

We appreciate your interest in submitting your work. However, at this time we are unable to review any unsolicited offers of artists’ work for the collection or exhibitions.

Can I bring/mail my original artwork to the museum for someone to look at?

We ask that you do not bring or send any original artwork to the Museum as we cannot be held responsible for its safekeeping or its return.

I own artwork that I think might be valuable. Can the museum assess its value or determine its authenticity?

Unfortunately, Museum policy does not permit us to comment on the authenticity or value of works of art. However, we can supply you with the following list of suggested national appraisers.

List of Appraisal Referrals