Lexipedia

Museum law

Museum law governs museum governance, collections, acquisitions, loans, deaccessioning, conservation, public access, copyright and cultural property compliance.

Museum law is not a single code but a set of public, private and professional rules applying to museum activity. In Switzerland, museums may be public institutions, foundations or private entities, so governance, funding and accountability differ. Legal issues include acquisition due diligence, loan agreements, immunity or risk allocation for travelling exhibitions, collection care, deaccessioning, human remains, copyright, data protection and employment. Museums also follow ethical standards, especially on provenance, restitution, conflicts of interest and transparency, which may go beyond minimum legal duties.