Collections
Eighteenth-century silver reliquary associated with St. Ursula on loan to Galway City Museum from the Dominican Convent, Galway
The Collections at Galway City Museum
Galway City Museum acts as a repository for objects of cultural heritage related to the city of Galway and its people, past and present. The collection currently comprises approximately 1,000 objects, most of which have been kindly donated by the people of Galway over the past 30 years. Other objects are on loan from individuals and institutions, while some objects were purchased on behalf of the Museum.
The collection itself includes objects related to medieval Galway, to trade and industry in Galway 1800-1950, to the Claddagh village, Galway militia and folk life. There is also a varied selection of artwork. Part of the collection is on display and you will see it as you navigate through the museum. Those objects not on display comprise our reserve collection and are retained in our stores.
How we use and manage our Collections
All aspects of museum work originate from the collections. This includes exhibitions, education/outreach programmes and publications. The collections therefore must be managed correctly. As such, we have staff dedicated to the management of acquisitions, care of the collections and the documentation of objects so that the Museum is able to account, locate and provide information about them, not only to other museum staff but also to researchers and the general public.
How to donate an object to Galway City Museum
We are continuing to develop and expand our collections at Galway City Museum and are always interested to hear about any objects you have and which you may be willing to donate. All objects accepted into the collections are acquired in accordance with our Collections Policy (available on request at Galway City Museum). In essence, the Collections Policy stipulates that the Museum acquires objects which are associated with, or help to illustrate the history and heritage of Galway City and its people. This includes objects manufactured, used, owned or found by people in Galway City.
We must point out that not all objects accepted into the collections will be placed on display. Objects not on display become part of the reserve collection at Galway City Museum, preserved for future generations.
Contact Details
For further information on the Collections or if you have an object you would like to donate, please contact Helen Bermingham, Documentation Officer at (091) 532460 or email helen.bermingham@galwaycity.ie
Latest Acquisitions
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