Treasured Finds
From the back shed or under the bed!
From mysterious minerals to fantastic fossils, every object tells a story and the Australian Museum’s team of experts is ready to share it. Submit your object for the chance to have it examined by experts from the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI). Selected submissions will be invited to a special public event at the Museum in April 2027, where you’ll meet our experts who will explain the stories and origins behind your most intriguing treasures.
Dig out your most jaw-dropping gemstones, rare books, skeletons or taxidermy and they could feature in a showcase of Australia’s most treasured finds! Register your hidden treasures with our experts now.
Submissions will be reviewed by the AM team, who will be looking for the most interesting natural history objects. Successful applicants are invited to join us for a dedicated appointment with a specialist from AMRI, in a live show open to the public.
These appointments, taking place Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 April 2027, are a chance for AM specialists to analyse your natural history object and answer any burning questions you have!
You will receive an email confirming whether your object has been selected or not. Depending on the volume of submissions, the selection process may take several months.
Please note, only objects selected to be part of the program will be analysed. The AM is not providing feedback for unsuccessful submissions.
Minerals, shells, eggs, feathers, fossils, skeletons (animal only), taxidermy specimens, pinned specimens, rare books and documents related to natural history - we are seeking submissions for objects that have an interesting story to tell!
Objects will be reviewed by a number of specialists from across the AM, with the most interesting and unusual submissions selected to be part of the program.
We will not accept submissions consisting of human remains, culturally sensitive objects, hazardous materials, fungi/plant material or items with mould/pest infestations.
Yes! You may submit as many natural history objects as you’d like. Please submit a new form for each object.
You will receive an email confirming your object has been selected and asking you to book a time to meet a specialist on either Saturday 3 or Sunday 4 April 2027. Once confirmed, prepare to bring your amazing object to the Australian Museum in Sydney!
An AMRI specialist will spend 10-15 minutes discussing what your object is, why it’s interesting, its scientific or collection relevance and answering any questions you have.
This program is not a donation process – the AM is not looking to acquire any objects. Please be prepared to take your object home with you after your appointment.
No, this program does not provide object valuations.
No, Treasured Finds is an appointment-only event. Please do not bring any natural history objects into the Museum unless your submission has been accepted.
