The collections of the Gibraltar Museum are wide ranging and reflect the many facets of our long history. The Museum houses a large collection of photographs, prints, documents and historical maps. There is also a growing collection of archaeological material ranging from prehistory through to the modern period. Other areas of collections include natural history and marine specimens, regimental and military history, social history and fine art. A large amount of material in the Museum collections are on display but there is also a substantial amount in storage.

Collections are central to the work of the Museum. Without them we would be an empty building. The collections tell the story of Gibraltar and the Gibraltarian people. The objects in the museum collections have been used by people in Gibraltar and each have a story to tell.

Collection Documentation:

Collection documentation, or the cataloguing of the Museum collections, is central to the Museum caring for the objects in its care effectively. Detailed records about each object under the care of the museum are kept in order to help us manage this vital resource. The more of the ‘history’ of an object that is known the better we can care for the piece. When an object is donated to the museum detailed information about it is recorded in an entry form. This ensures we know who the item belonged to, what it was used for and why it is important for us to keep it.

A documentation project is currently underway to re-document the museum collections to the standard expected of a museum in the 21st century. Each item is being digitally recorded, either through photography or scanning and is given a unique identity number. A database for this information has been created. The more information that can be recorded about an object the more interesting it will be for display and the more use it will be for research work.

With an estimated 10,000 objects in the museum collections, this is a massive task involving countless hours of work. It is however an important investment of resources as the benefits to be derived from the completion of the project will be endless.

Storage:

The appropriate storage of items in the museum’s care also comes hand in hand with the documentation project. The Museum endeavours to follow professional guidelines and apply international standards to the care of the collections. In order to keep the items in the best condition possible and prevent deterioration on all fronts be it biological attack in the form of moulds or insects, to chemical attack due to the materials the item comes into contact with, to damage caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity.