Inquiries Regarding Winterthur Museum Objects
For questions about Winterthur Museum objects, please contact:
Curatorial Fellow
Museum Collections Division
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
5105 Kennett Pike
Winterthur, DE 19735
Telephone: 302.888.4775
Fax: 302.888.4700
Email: museumcollections@winterthur.org
Inquiries Regarding Non-Winterthur Objects
Due to an increasing number of inquiries from the public, the curators at Winterthur are only able to provide object research assistance (excluding appraisals) for individuals who are Members of the museum at the Patron level ($275) and above. Our curatorial staff welcomes the opportunity to share their knowledge of decorative and fine arts. Researching your own antiques and heirlooms to uncover their stories can be an exciting and inspiring journey! While we can provide research leads, tips, and tools, we cannot provide valuations, attributions, or appraisals. For assistance with this Patron-and-above-level benefit, please contact the curatorial fellow (info above). Please have your Member ID on-hand when you call. Not a Patron Member? Call 800.448.3883 to upgrade or join today!
- Patron-level Members may receive assistance with one object query per membership year.
- Benefactor-level Members may receive two object queries per membership year.
- Associate-level Members may receive three object queries per membership year.
Appraisals
Winterthur is unable to provide valuations of objects or give references to specific appraisers due to ethical considerations. The following organizations can help you find a qualified appraiser in your area:
• Appraisers Association of America, 212.889.5404
• American Society of Appraisers, 703.478.2228
• International Society of Appraisers, 206.241.0359
Conservation
Winterthur offers a Conservation Clinic to answer visitors’ concerns about caring for their objects. Visitors can bring objects in for a conservator to assess (they do not give appraisals) and can receive recommendations for outside conservators if treatment is needed. For further assistance in finding a qualified conservator in your area, please contact the American Institute of Conservators at 202.452.9545, ext. 1. Please note that Winterthur’s Scientific Research and Analysis Lab no longer provides analytical services for a fee. Requests from private individuals or LLCs cannot be honored. We would be happy to provide a list of freelance conservation scientists should you wish to pursue scientific analysis for your object.
Research
Visitors may use the Winterthur Library to research items in their own collections. The library, with holdings of books, periodicals, manuscripts, ephemera, and photographs, specializes in decorative arts and material culture from the 17th to the 21st century. It is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday, 10:00 am–12:00 pm and 1:00–4:00 pm, by appointment only. Sorry, no walk-ins or weekend hours.
To make an appointment, please email reference@winterthur.org at least 24 hours in advance of your requested visit time.
You also can access the online catalogue.