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About MoPOP’s Permanent Collection and Online Collections Vault
The MoPOP permanent collection is available to researchers, scholars, and anyone seeking to do more in-depth pop culture-focused research. While we don’t have a dedicated research facility, we are happy to provide access to the collection digitally and can accommodate in-person visits on a case-by-case basis. Please contact CollectionsInquiries@MoPOP.org with information on your project.
MoPOP preserves pop culture history by collecting and preserving cultural artifacts. The museum accepts object donations on a case-by-case basis. Please send an email to CuratorialInquiries@MoPOP.org with an image and description of the item(s) you are interested in donating.
Please do not bring item(s) to the museum without making prior arrangements with the MoPOP Collections staff. Item(s) mailed without prior warning or left at the museum may be disposed of or transferred as the museum determines appropriate, without contacting the sender.
MoPOP can provide access to digital versions and image/footage reproduction services of most objects or oral histories in the collection. Permission for use is granted at the sole discretion of MoPOP and where MoPOP is the copyright owner.
Although MoPOP holds copyright to the images themselves, the items featured within may be subject to additional copyright. Requestor is solely responsible for obtaining any additional permissions required for publication related to copyright protections of items requested and provided. MoPOP will make a reasonable effort to connect the requestor with the copyright holder if known.
How to request use or reproductions:
Review the fee schedule.
Complete the inquiry form with the materials of interest and their intended use. All requests are processed in the order they are received. Approximate response periods vary based on the demand and material requested, but someone will reach out to assist with the initial request within two weeks.
Once the request is finalized and approved, MoPOP will provide an invoice and relevant paperwork. The invoice must be paid in full, and the paperwork signed before image(s) or oral histories are released to you. Licensing paperwork will only be completed when MoPOP holds the copyright to the materials.
The images or requested material will be provided digitally. We do not provide paper photocopies.
Outgoing Loans
MoPOP lends permanent collection objects to other nonprofit institutions to promote understanding and appreciation of pop culture. All objects are loaned solely for public exhibition and educational purposes.
Making Loan Requests
Loans are made in response to a written request from the borrower and are subject to a formal loan agreement created by MoPOP. Loan request letters must be submitted at least six months in advance of the exhibition start time.
Loan request letters should be sent to CollectionsInquiries@MoPOP.org. Requests should include a current Facilities Reports for all intended venues. A copy of the borrower’s insurance policy or proof of insurance may be requested.
Loan Fee and Costs
Outgoing loans may be subject to an outgoing loan fee. In addition, the borrower may be subject to paying all associated costs for the loan, including shipping, packing/crating, and courier expenses (this may include airfare, lodging, per diem and ground transportation). Costs of conservation, photography for condition reports, and mounts or framing may also be charged to the borrower. All packing and shipping arrangements must be approved by MoPOP in advance.
If you see an error, have additional information on an object, or if you are the creator or copyright holder and believe our collections database has not properly attributed the work, we want to hear from you. Please contact us at CollectionsInquiries@MoPOP.org.