Objects in the collection of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin (MfN) can be borrowed on a temporary basis for both scientific purposes and for public exhibitions.
Application
An official loan application should be made in writing with sufficient advance notice. Please send your letter, together with a (brief) synopsis of the planned exhibition, to:
leihverkehr.ausstellung@mfn.berlin
This email address will connect you to the members of staff in the loan department, who are happy to establish contact with experts in the relevant collections.
As the lending institution, we reserve the right to refuse loan applications depending on risks associated with transportation and handling, for example, in the case of very fragile objects or items that would be very difficult or impossible to replace, or which carry too much scientific value. Collection items will not be loaned to theatres, cinemas, television or in similar contexts as art objects or props or for decorative purposes.
Loans are subject to the law regarding the protection of cultural property (Kulturgutschutzgesetz, KGSG). Loaned objects remain the property of MfN. Species protected under the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are only loaned in accordance with applicable legal provisions for cross-border movement. For specimens listed in Annex A of EC Regulation 338/97 (specimens under strict protection), an EC marketing permit may be required. Loaned specimens may not be passed on to third parties or institutions without our consent.
If your loan application is successful, you will be issued a loan contract by MfN.
Processing / Terms of the Contract
To apply for a loan, please fill out the Loan Application Form along with an up-to-date Facility Report or detailed information about the place of exhibition and send to:
leihverkehr.ausstellung@mfn.berlin
As the lending institution, we determine the conditions under which the loaned objects may be transported and presented. You, as the borrowing institution, must comply with these requirements and ensure proper handling of the objects. Our registrar Dr. Meta Friese will be happy to help you with any questions you may have in this regard.
Here is a link to the general conservation requirements for loans.
We wish you every success with your exhibition project!