Guidelines for Requesting Loans

When deemed appropriate, The Met is pleased to support loans to scholarly exhibitions at qualified venues. Borrowers should be tax-exempt institutions open to the public. Under special circumstances, loans to commercial galleries or governmental locations may be considered. All loans are subject to the approval of The Met Director and review of the Board of Trustees.

Requesting a loan

• Send a written request on letterhead to the attention of Max Hollein, Director via email at TheMetOutgoingLoans@metmuseum.org.
• Include in the request letter the title of the exhibition, exhibition dates at each venue and the title/artist name and Accession number of the object(s) you wish to borrow. Refer to our collection online for the Accession number and note the dimensions for potential size limitations at your venue. When viewing the object record on the website, please refer to the Exhibition History section as certain departments may post loan restrictions. The loan request should also include an overall description of the exhibition and how the requested works would add value to the exhibition.
• Loan requests must be received at least twelve (12) months in advance of the exhibition opening date.
• A facility report for each venue should accompany the loan request letter whenever possible. The Metropolitan Museum of Art requires that facility reports are the American Alliance of Museums standardized version.

Loan review

Following submission of a loan request, The Met may request additional information for review.

If the loan passes curatorial and conservation approval, borrowers will receive a letter of notification from the Director's Office. The loan will be submitted to the Board of Trustees for final approval. Once Board approval is granted, the Registrar’s Office will send a Borrower’s Agreement that contains the conditions of the loan.

Borrowers can expect a reply to their request within six months of receipt.

Included with the Borrower's Agreement will be a copy of Display Case Guidelines for Loans from The Met listing approved and prohibited case materials. Display plans, including case materials and construction must be reviewed and approved by The Met at least four months in advance of an exhibition opening.

Fees and expenses

The Met charges loan fees to Borrowers with whom it does not have a reciprocal relationship.

In addition to fees, the Borrower shall bear all expenses of the loan, which may include but are not limited to:

• Packing / crating
• Shipping
• Courier travel
• Framing, mounts or other special preparation
• Condition report photography
• Rights and Reproductions (please contact www.artres.com)
• Insurance
• Miscellaneous out of pocket costs related to the loan as itemized on the Borrower's Agreement

Please contact the Registrar Department at TheMetOutgoingLoans@metmuseum.org with any questions.