The museum will be closed on Sunday, May 21, to host the IPW press brunch. We will re-open on Monday, May 22, at 10 a.m.
The renowned Witte Museum collection of more than 320,000 historic and contemporary artifacts, specimens and works of art provides a vast and diverse resource for discovery. The Witte Museum collects, preserves and displays items from the community, which plays a key role in the development of the collection, in each of these categories:
The Collection Plan, the intellectual framework for the Collection, is based on the key initiatives of the Witte Museum: Nature, Science and Culture of Texas. Access and use of the Witte Museum’s archives, library holdings and collections is governed by our Collection Policy. For specific information about researching the Witte Museum collection, please refer to Section 13 of the Collection Policy.
Researching Witte Museum Archives, Library Holdings and Collections
Researchers can access the Witte Museum archives and/or collections by appointment. Access is granted at the discretion of the President & CEO, Curators, Vice President of Collections or designated staff member. Please complete the Image/Research Request Form to request access to the collection. Artifacts Researchers can access the Witte Collection by appointment. Access is granted at the discretion of the President and CEO, Curator, Vice President of Collections or designated staff member. Please use the Image/Research Request Form to request access to the collection. Rights and Reproduction Requests to reproduce images from the Witte Museum art or photographic collections or intellectual property created by the museum, such as exhibitions or publications, must be reviewed and approved. Please allow at least a two-week turnaround. To request an image, please review the fee schedule and complete the Image/Research Request Form.
The Witte Museum does not provide appraisals. You can find an appraiser in your area through one of these national appraisal organizations:
Appraisers Association of America
The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works can help you locate a conservator that specializes in the type of conservation your artifact needs. It also provides helpful tips on preserving your family treasures.
Researchers can access the Witte Museum archives and/or collections by appointment. Access is granted at the discretion of the President & CEO, Curators, Director of Collections or designated staff member. Please complete the Image/Research Request Form [hyperlink to form] to request access to the collection.
The Witte Museum collects material that supports its mission as outlined in the museum’s Collection Plan [hyperlink to PDF document].
Please review our Collection Plan [hyperlink to PDF document] to learn more about what we collect, then tell us more about your object [hyperlink to Donate Object Form].
Many of the specimens in the Witte Museum collection were discovered by everyday folks who found something odd and wanted to have it identified. The curators can usually identify a specimen based on a few clear photographs.
However, there are a lot of things in nature that can look like they’re ancient fossils of some kind but aren’t actually fossils. Curious if you’ve stumbled upon a great discovery? Submit your pictures, using this Identification Form [hyperlink to form], to our team of experts.
The Witte Museum keeps records on all items in the collection. To learn more about an item donated by a family member, please contact the Registrar (mail to: Hannahhaney@wittemuseum.org).
Yes, the Witte Museum frequently lends items from its collection to museums around the country. To learn more about our loan procedures, see our Collection Policy [hyperlink to PDF document]. Loan requests can be directed our Registrar (mail to: hannahhaney@wittemuseum.org).
Requests to reproduce images from the Witte Museum art or photographic collections or intellectual property created by the museum, such as exhibitions or publications, must be reviewed and approved. Allow at least a two-week turnaround. To request an image, please review the fee schedule [hyperlinked to PDF document] and complete the Image/Research Request Form [hyperlinked to form].
WITTE MUSEUM and all related brands are ® & ™ the Witte Museum.
© 2023 The Witte Museum, San Antonio, Texas
The Witte Museum
Nature, Science & Culture
3801 Broadway
San Antonio, Texas 78209
Phone: 210.357.1900
Contact the Witte Museum
