Legal Basics That Every Museum Should Know

Museums are more than just exhibits. They are living organisms that educate, promote and preserve the topics they care about. Many roles and efforts go into it; in this guide, we'll discuss the legal basics every museum operator should know, to properly run a successful institution.

What is a Museum's Main Purpose?

• Acquisition: works, collections, funds (to acquire works). This can be art, manuscripts, objects, digital media or other property. Each requires a case by case analysis on the rights involved (image, intellectual property), to make sure that you are free to use the items in a lawful fashion, exploit them commercially, display for a certain time, promote in media, and others. An important component of a museum's operations is to acquire these assets (whether purchase, loan, lease, grant or other conveyance)