Acquisitions

We collect objects that can engage our various audiences, that can be focal points for interpretation, discussion, debate or research; objects that are relevant to the Museums' underlying themes; objects that can help us tell stories.

Collecting must be considered, controlled and sustainable. We have to be confident that we can safely care for and store all new objects. Storage space is finite, and keeping objects stable for the long term requires a serious financial commitment.

New objects are only acquired after careful consideration. Great value is always placed on the potential of these new additions to serve our many visitors - through exhibitions, websites, broadcast, outreach, public events or scholarship.

Underpinning this general philosophy are the curatorial teams' collecting strategies for each of the Museums. These ensure that we are guided and supported by a robust understanding - one that formally sets out our desire to enrich collections that can reflect the global impact of science, technology, medicine and media across all cultures. Since the beginning of 2005 the Museums have added over 2000 objects to their inventories.

Recent acquisitions

This set from the early 19th century was intended for assisting the teaching of geometry to schoolchildren

Olyset mosquito net in original packaging - unlike traditional barriers, the Olyset nets are impregnated with insecticide that can kill mosquitoes on contact

Babolat US NCT Drive tennis racket - uses cutting-edge carbon nanotubes to give players more power and greater ball control

Packet of Ngetwa 3 herbal medicine - a very popular herbal medicine from Tanzania

Vauxhall Astra - this unique demonstration vehicle is full of eqipment to help drivers from the disabled community.

Silicon wafer signed by Gordon Moore