The Martin House Collection is always growing due to the generosity of individuals and other cultural institutions. We continue to actively seek original objects including art glass, furniture, decorative objects, and archival documentation specific to Martin House.
These donations allow us to hold these collections in the public trust and make them available and accessible while also interpreting them within the context they were originally designed or used.
Martin House is grateful for your interest in bringing an original object back home.
To learn more, please review our Collections Policy and the FAQs below. You can also email curator@martinhouse.org for additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
I wish to donate an object but I’m not sure if Martin House would be interested – how do I find out?
We are happy to consider many kinds of objects. If you would like to offer us a gift of art, please send information and photographs to curator@martinhouse.org. Our collection includes art glass, furniture, decorative objects, and archival documentation specific to Martin House.
How do I learn how much my object is worth? Could Martin House give me an appraisal?
Martin House is unable to provide appraisals or valuations of works of art. To learn the value of your art, you may find a qualified appraiser by contacting auction houses or one of the many professional organizations of art appraisers.
If you wish to claim a tax deduction for gift of art, the IRS has specific guidelines to define qualified appraisals for donated property.
Can I mail or drop off a donation?
No, Martin House cannot accept unsolicited donations through the mail or in person without full authorization in advance from Curatorial staff.
How long does it take for Martin House to review a proposed donation?
The review process is ongoing. If your proposed donation is accepted, you will be contacted by the Curator to arrange the donation logistics.
Can I take a tax deduction for my donation?
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House is a 501(c)3. The fair market value of your donated material may be tax deductible. Gift of Property of $500 or more require the donor to file IRS Form 8283 to claim a tax deduction. Gifts of $5,000 or more also require an independent appraisal, which is the donor’s responsibility to obtain. Please consult your tax advisory regarding the tax deducibility of your donation.
If I donate objects to Martin House, will they be returned to me at my request?
No. Martin House cannot return accessioned collections materials to the donor. Once the Collection Committee accepts your donation for the collection, you will be asked to sign a Deed of Gift, which legally transfers ownership of the materials/object to Martin House.
Donor Highlight
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House recently acquired an original Wisteria art glass window, which is now installed in the first-floor dining room. Made possible through a generous donation by Sushanna Stern in memory of her late husband Arthur Isaac Stern with supporting funds from Mark K. Stephens and Anthony Latess, this window will be the eleventh of this pattern on view at Martin House.
