Collections Access

Current Operating Status

Access to the Paleobiology collections, through loans or in-person visits, is available on a case-by-case basis. Please note that due to limited staff availability and a high volume of requests, we may not be able to accommodate your request, or it may be postponed to a later date. Our Collections Management team will review and work with you directly about specific details and expected timeline. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate this transitionary period. 

We are sincerely grateful for your interest in the Paleobiology collections. Please continue to check our site for updates to provided collections services. If you have any questions, please email Paleodept@si.edu. 

Vertebrate Paleontology Collections Status Updates 

Access requests or inquiries regarding the vertebrate fossil collections are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Due to significant staff shortages, we may not be able to accommodate your request in its entirety or there may be substantial delays in responding to your request. 

Given our decreased capacity to accommodate research visitors and a high volume of researchers who have already arranged to visit during the summer, we are strongly encouraging researchers to consider visiting in Fall 2025.  If you wish to visit before August 30, 2025, please email VertPaleoCollections@si.edu directly with proposed dates and the taxa you wish to study before filling out a visit request form. Visit requests for September 1, 2025 or later may be submitted via our Paleo Visitor Request Form. Review of any visit request may take 3-4 weeks, so please submit all requests at least 60 days prior to visiting. We will review your visit request as soon as we are able and determine if your dates are feasible given staff availability. 

Additionally, processing times for requests including but not limited to general data inquiries, digital media (2D or 3D), cataloging/catalog numbers, or loans may take several months depending on the scope and complexity of your request. 

The vertebrate paleontology collections team will review and work with you directly on specific details and expected timelines for your request. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we balance the volume of requests and collections work amongst our staff.   

Last Updated: May 2025