FAQs
Collections & Research
For more information, see Collections & Research Web page.
How many objects are in the ROM's collections?
How can I obtain more information about a specific object in the ROM's collection?
Where do I find information on the ROM's research work?
May I contact a curator at the Museum?
How can I find information on the history and care of an object in my possession?
Does the Museum appraise or authenticate objects?
Does the Museum still purchase objects for its collections?
May I donate my object to the ROM?
How many objects are in the ROM's collections?
The collections are constantly growing. At present, our collections number close to six million objects.
How can I obtain more information about a specific object in the ROM's collection?
You can search our new online collection, ROM Images, which contains images and information on the ROM's collections. If that fails, please provide as much information on the specific object, e.g. artist/creator, name/title of the work, accession or Museum ID number, etc. If interested in photographs or images of the object, please direct your query to images@rom.on.ca. If interested in research or curatorial information please e-mail either naturalhistory@rom.on.ca (biodiversity, palaeobiology, earth sciences) or worldcultures@rom.on.ca (art and archaeology), depending on the nature of the object.
Students: please note that the Museum can not easily respond to questions about general subject areas. Try your school, public libraries or search the Web by typing your topic into a search engine. If that fails, then contact our Education Department (schoolv@rom.on.ca) and we may be able to direct you to some useful resources.
Where do I find information on the ROM's research work?
First try our online Research information, then you could contact the Library & Archives, who can direct you to appropriate publications and resources. You can also consider membership; one of the many benefits includes regular reports and talks on ROM research work.
May I contact a curator at the Museum?
Yes. E-mail enquiries can be sent to naturalhistory@rom.on.ca (biodiversity, palaeobiology, earth sciences) or worldcultures@rom.on.ca (art and archaeology), and will be directed to the appropriate curator. We do not provide individual contact information on the website. If you are unsure what department a curator belongs to you should check the Collections & Research Staff list.
Students: please note that the Museum can not easily respond to questions about general subject areas. Try your school, public libraries or search the Web by typing your topic into a search engine. If that fails, then contact our Education Department (schoolv@rom.on.ca) and we may be able to direct you to some useful resources.
How can I find information on the history and care of an object in my possession?
Many resources exist online. For information on the care of your objects, we suggest the Preserving my Heritage site developed by the Canadian Conservation Institute. For general information, you can contact the Library & Archives, who may be able to suggest publications and other resources.
Our curatorial departments may offer identification opportunities by appointment when possible. Contact worldcultures@rom.on.ca (art and archaeology) or naturalhistory@rom.on.ca (biodiversity, palaeobiology, earth sciences). Please include a photograph.
Does the Museum appraise or authenticate objects?
In conformity with national and international museum standards, the ROM does not offer financial appraisals or evaluations of objects to the general public. We suggest you check the Yellow Pages under Art Galleries and Dealers, Art Consultants, Auctioneers and Appraisers. You can also contact a member of the Art Dealers Association of Canada or the Canadian Antique Dealers Association.
We do offer identifications through curatorial clinics and by appointment when possible. You can check the What's On Calendar for a listing of regularly scheduled identification clinics. Contact worldcultures@rom.on.ca (art and archaeology) or naturalhistory@rom.on.ca (biodiversity, palaeobiology, earth sciences) if requesting an appointment. Please include a photograph.
Does the Museum still purchase objects for its collections?
The Museum rarely buys objects from individuals. We do purchase objects to build and enhance our collections from reputable dealers and at auctions.
May I donate my object to the ROM?
The Museum will accept donations of objects that meet our collecting priorities and enhance our collections. Tell us what you have. Direct your enquiry to worldcultures@rom.on.ca (art and archaeology) or naturalhistory@rom.on.ca (biodiversity, palaeobiology, earth sciences). Please include a photograph.
