Research Overview

The mission of the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, an organized research unit of the University of California, is to present to its audiences the processes and findings of anthropological interpretations of its collections; to illuminate the diversity and particularity of ways of being human, both past and present; and to explore how different ways of being human are made possible by the creation, modification, and use of material objects. The Museum recognizes as one of the primary means of accomplishing its mission, the sponsorship of research on its collections by members of the University community and of researchers from anthropology and related disciplines from outside the University.

Collections Access Moratorium

The Museum will soon embark on a major collections relocation project. This is an exciting opportunity to dramatically improve conditions for a major portion of the Museum’s ethnographic and archaeological collections. When finished, we will have inventoried, photographed, and relocated nearly 1.7 million objects. This move will impact three out of four of our collections storage areas, making it necessary to temporarily suspend certain functions. These include:

  •     Loans

  •     Acquisitions

  •     Research

  •     Classes held in collections areas

  •     New publication photography

The Moratorium applies only to new requests. If you have already requested any of the above services, and they are scheduled to occur between January and May, 2012, the Museum will honor your request.

The Moratorium will begin June 1, 2012, and will last 24 months.

We apologize for any inconvenience this causes, but look forward to being better able to address your needs when we re-open in our newly refreshed spaces.
 

Please see our Policy for Access to the Museum's Collections for information about scheduling a visit.

We are also in the process of expanding our research page and online resources. If you have questions, please contact us at pahma@berkeley.edu.