Curator how-to

How to Research an Object’s Provenance

Provenance protects the museum.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Provenance protects the museum. In short: review; search; check, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Review records.

  2. Search archives.

  3. Check auction records.

  4. Check databases for stolen art.

  5. Fill gaps.

  6. Document.

Safety reminders for curators

  • Handle objects carefully
  • Follow conservation rules
  • Follow ethics on acquisitions
  • Follow security procedures

Collection · Accession · Provenance · Conservation · Exhibition · Deaccession: see the full curator glossary.

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