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Acquisitions

The acquisition of artifacts is a key initiative in MOPOP's ability to continue growing as an organization. We acquire artifacts and archives that broaden and deepen the value of our current holdings for exhibitions, research and educational resources. By strategically and ethically growing the collection, MOPOP ensures that its offerings remain vibrant, relevant, and responsive to the evolving landscape of popular culture. Each new artifact represents a valuable touchstone, enriching the institution's ability to engage visitors, foster intellectual discourse, and inspire future generations.

Materials and Artifacts of Interest

At the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP), we accession materials that capture the essence and history of beloved pop culture touchstones. Through this ongoing process, we can gather a diverse array of primary source materials that provide a firsthand look into the creative minds and practices that have shaped our shared pop culture landscape. These materials include primary source documents, such as original artwork, which provide a firsthand look at the creative process behind iconic pieces. Musical instruments connected to artists are also significant, offering a tangible link to the music and performances that have shaped cultural landscapes. Costumes and textiles play a crucial role in the collection, showcasing the fashion and personal style of influential figures. Additionally, the museum preserves journals, original sketches, images, writings, and film scripts, all of which offer deeper insights into the thoughts and ideas that drive creative expression. These diverse materials collectively contribute to MOPOP's mission of celebrating and preserving the rich tapestry of pop culture.

Donations & Gifts

MOPOP preserves pop culture history by collecting and preserving material culture artifacts. The museum accepts object donations and bequests on a case-by-case basis. Donating artworks, ephemera, memorabilia, or historical artifacts to our collection is an excellent way of supporting MOPOP.

We review objects by appointment. The Curatorial and Collections Departments meet to review potential gifts and donations. Please fill out our Curatorial Inquiry form if you are interested in donating or setting up a bequest.

Please do not bring item(s) to the museum without making prior arrangements with the MOPOP Curatorial staff. Item(s) mailed without prior communication or left at the museum may be disposed of or transferred as the museum determines appropriate, without contacting the sender.

Loans

Outgoing Loans: MOPOP lends permanent collection objects to other nonprofit museums, institutions, galleries, and other qualified borrowers to promote understanding and appreciation of pop culture. All objects are loaned solely for public exhibition and educational purposes.

Making Loan Requests: Loans are made in response to a written request from the borrower and are subject to a formal loan agreement created by MOPOP. Loan request letters must be submitted at least six months in advance of the exhibition's start time.

Loan request letters should be sent to CollectionsInquiries@MOPOP.org. Requests should include a current Facilities Report for all intended venues. A copy of the borrower’s insurance policy or proof of insurance may be requested.

Loan Fee and Costs: Outgoing loans may be subject to an outgoing loan fee. In addition, the borrower may be subject to paying all associated costs for the loan, including shipping, packing/crating, conservation, and courier expenses (this may include airfare, lodging, per diem and ground transportation). Costs of conservation, photography for condition reports, and mounts or framing may also be charged to the borrower. All packing and shipping arrangements must be approved by MOPOP in advance.

Research

The MOPOP permanent collection is available to researchers, scholars, and anyone seeking to do more in-depth pop culture-focused research. While we don’t have a dedicated research facility, we are happy to provide access to the collection digitally and can accommodate in-person visits on a case-by-case basis. Please contact CollectionsInquiries@MOPOP.org with information on your project.

Rights & Reproductions

MOPOP can provide access to digital versions and image/footage reproduction services of most objects or oral histories in the collection. Permission for use is granted at the sole discretion of MOPOP and where MOPOP is the copyright owner.

Although MOPOP holds copyright to the images themselves, the items featured within may be subject to additional copyright. Requestor is solely responsible for obtaining any additional permissions required for publication related to copyright protections of items requested and provided. MOPOP will make a reasonable effort to connect the requestor with the copyright holder if known.

How to request use or reproductions:

Review the fee schedule.

Complete the inquiry form with the materials of interest and their intended use. All requests are processed in the order they are received. Approximate response periods vary based on the demand and material requested, but someone will reach out to assist with the initial request within two weeks.

Once the request is finalized and approved, MOPOP will provide an invoice and relevant paperwork. The invoice must be paid in full, and the paperwork signed before image(s) or oral histories are released to you. Licensing paperwork will only be completed when MOPOP holds the copyright to the materials.

The images or requested material will be provided digitally. We do not provide paper photocopies.

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Reproduction Service Fees

MOPOP permanent collection items and oral history reproductions often include staff time and expertise to complete. Reproductions and digitization are performed by museum staff, trained in the use of scanners and cameras that are designed to minimize potential object damage. Reproduction fees reflect this staff time.

The following fees will be assessed for the digitization of objects/media from MOPOP’s collection. When the completed request form is returned, an invoice and relevant paperwork will be issued for the fee charges. The charges must be paid in full before orders will be processed. Fees will not be refunded.

Service Fees (See non-profit use statement below)
Most images will be 300ppi at 6 inches on the longest side, unless additional resolutions are requested.

Images

Image (300ppi at 6 inches on the longest side)

$25

Image (600ppi)

$40

Image (larger format or oversize object)

$50

Oral Histories

Administration Fee

$150

MP3 of Audio

$75

MP4 Video

$75

Other

Rush Fee

$40

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Discounts on fees may be offered for non-profit uses, research, or for self-published works. MOPOP reserves the right to waive or modify fees or other requirements on an individual basis at the discretion of MOPOP. Such waiver of fees can be made only upon approval of written application.

Collection Strategy

What principles guide MOPOP's collecting strategy?

MOPOP's collection strategy is guided by several principles. These include the prioritization of representative narratives across various subject areas, a commitment to excellence over quantity, the acquisition of outstanding artifacts that reflect contemporary pop culture, the intention to display and make these items accessible for the benefit of the public, and the assurance of appropriate care within our available resource capacities.

What is MOPOP's vision for maintaining artifacts?

MOPOP's vision is to establish a permanent collection that encompasses both tangible and intangible artifacts related to pop culture and material culture. This initiative aims to enhance the understanding of our existing collections, encourage innovative discussions, challenge conventional paradigms of pop culture themes, and advance our mission and core values.

What are the current areas of interest for MOPOP's acquisitions?

MOPOP is interested in acquiring artifacts related to music, gaming, film and television, fashion, literature and comics, social and cultural movements, and more.

How does MOPOP determine its acquisitions?

MOPOP's acquisitions focus on provenance, documentation, connection, and individual quality, with a commitment to acquiring the best examples of tangible and intangible pop culture artifacts.

What is the process for acquiring new artifacts?

New acquisitions are evaluated by the Curatorial and Collections Departments. MOPOP acquires new materials through methods such as targeted proactive approaches, commissions, responding to donation offers, monitoring reputable dealers and auctions, and bequests.

What criteria must new acquisitions meet for inclusion in the permanent collection?

When considering new acquisitions for MOPOP's permanent collection, the Curatorial team applies a rigorous set of criteria. First and foremost, the artifact or material must hold demonstrable cultural significance, representing a notable milestone or innovation that has resonated with the public. Additionally, the item must provide valuable historical context and unique insights, offering a rare or one-of-a-kind perspective not already well-represented in the collection. Careful attention is also paid to the physical condition and provenance of the acquisition, ensuring its suitability for long-term preservation and exhibition. Crucially, all new additions must directly support MOPOP's mission to collect, preserve, and interpret the history and impact of popular culture, while also lending themselves to meaningful public engagement and educational programming.

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