Museum Services

For decades, Heffel has played an integral role in the collection management process for museums and cultural institutions. We proudly work with both public and private institutions to assist with their unique needs, including the acquisition and deaccessioning of artworks, a variety of appraisal services, assistance facilitating loan requests, and special events.

Deaccessioning

Heffel is honoured to be entrusted with the deaccessioning of important artworks from renowned institutions across the world through public live and online auctions, as well as private sales. In recent years, we have worked with Art Gallery of Ontario, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Terra Foundation for American Art, and others, resulting in exceptional results through Heffel’s global auctions.

Our experienced team understands and appreciates the complexities regarding specific deaccessioning practices and policies. A dedicated Heffel specialist works closely with the institution to ensure timelines, processes and messaging are clear and well-managed, and are in accordance with institutional guidelines and expectations. Whatever the goal, we will together create a tailored sale approach to meet the institution’s unique needs.

Acquisitions

Heffel is pleased to assist institutions with acquiring artworks for their collections through private sale or public auction. Whether it is a work that is publicly available, or one that we can help source using our extensive network, our team will ensure the process is efficient and streamlined, keeping privacy top of mind.

Appraisals

Heffel has a long history of facilitating fine art appraisals of the highest standard, and providing institutions with comprehensive written valuations and appraisals for all purposes, including insurance, fair market value and certified cultural property. Our appraisal specialists will ensure that the collection, large or small, is appropriately catalogued, photographed and evaluated either at Heffel’s offices or onsite at the institution. In some cases, appraisals can also be conducted by reviewing images and details digitally.

Loan Requests for Exhibitions

Our experience working with top collectors around the world has provided us with knowledge of countless masterworks located in private collections. Heffel would be pleased to help facilitate loan requests for institutions in search of specific artworks for upcoming exhibitions. Many of our top collectors would be eager to share works from their collections with the public through exhibitions.

Special Events

Heffel has proudly partnered with many museums and cultural institutions on special events of all kinds. It brings us great joy to join forces with our museum colleagues on panel discussions, charity auctions, private functions and other such events.