What Is It Called When a Museum Sells Art?

Art|Art Museum

When it comes to art, museums are usually seen as non-profit organizations that preserve and display works of art for the public to view. However, there are some instances where a museum may choose to sell art in order to raise funds for their operations or acquire new pieces for their collection. This activity is known as deaccessioning, and it has become increasingly common over the past few decades.

Deaccessioning is a controversial practice in the museum world, and it is closely regulated by various professional associations. Generally, museums are only allowed to sell artwork if it is not part of the core collection, has been deemed redundant or if they need funds to acquire more important pieces. They must also follow certain ethical guidelines when disposing of artwork, such as ensuring any sale proceeds go back into acquiring other works of art or maintaining the existing collection.

It is important to note that deaccessioning must be done with care; selling off artwork can create a perception among the public that museums do not value art or its history. Furthermore, it can lead to a decrease in public trust and donations if donors believe their contributions will be used towards buying artwork rather than preserving existing collections.

In recent years, some museums have tried to find alternative ways of generating revenue without having to resort to selling off artwork. For instance, many museums now offer corporate sponsorships or allow private companies to rent out their spaces for events. These methods help generate much needed funds without compromising on the integrity of their collections.

Overall, deaccessioning is an important tool for museums but should only be used in cases where it is absolutely necessary and done with care so as not to damage the museum’s reputation or image with the public.

Conclusion: What Is It Called When a Museum Sells Art?

The process by which a museum sells art is known as deaccessioning and has become increasingly common over recent decades due its ability to generate much needed funds while still preserving existing collections. However, deaccessioning should only be done with caution so as not compromise on the museum’s image or integrity with the public.