Deaccessioning
The collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum is routinely reevaluated to ensure it maintains the highest quality and aligns with our mission. The Museum therefore may choose to refine its holdings through the occasional sale, exchange, donation, or restitution of previously acquired works of art, under the oversight of the Board of Trustees.
The purpose of removing works of art from the collection (also known as deaccessioning) is foremost to strengthen the quality and focus of the collection. Deaccessions can also address another party’s claim to ownership.
Making information about deaccessioned objects available is part of our broader work in documenting the Museum collections. The information included in the records of deaccessioned objects on the collection pages reflects knowledge at the time of their deaccessioning.
The process of deaccessioning works of art is carried out in accordance with the Museum’s Collection Policy (link below). The Museum deaccessions works of art for different reasons, including:
- the work does not fit the scope or quality of the collection
- the sale, trade, or exchange of the work presents an opportunity to acquire more significant works of art
- to address ownership claims by other parties, including restitution or repatriation
To learn more about the policies and procedures for the deaccession and disposal of art from the museum’s collection, please refer to our Collection Policy.
For additional information, please see the press release about including deaccessioned object information in the Museum Collection pages.