The musée du quai Branly opened its doors in 2006 but its acquisition policy started long before that, in 1998, in an effort to complete previous collections left by older museums. In 20 years, 77.082 items were acquired, including 15.587 objectsand 61.225 graphic works and photographs.

The goal of this catalogue is to give the reader a look backstage, to explain the acquisition process and all the necessary steps before an artwork can be exhibited in the museum. It will also show the amount of subjectivity required from the curator forevery decision regarding the purchase of a new item, as well as the research and new information gathered based on these acquired collections.