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Artworks Metadata Schema

Version: 1.0.0
Status: Published
Owner: Content Strategy & Engineering

This dictionary defines the standard metadata schema for the MoMA collection dataset. Adherence to these standards ensures data interoperability across the museum’s digital ecosystem, from the public API to internal curatorial tools.

Core Identification Fields

These fields are required for every object ingested into the collection database.

Field Name Data Type Requirement Description Example
Title String Required The official title of the artwork. Use Untitled if no name is provided. The Starry Night
Artist String (Link) Required The primary creator. Must match an entry in the Artists dictionary. Vincent van Gogh
ObjectID Integer Required A unique, non-changing identifier assigned at ingestion. 4362
AccessionNo String Required The legal identifier assigned when the work is acquired. 472.1941

Classification & Categorization

Fields used for filtering, faceted search, and information architecture.

Department (Department)

  • Definition: The curatorial department responsible for the work.
  • Allowed Values (Controlled Vocabulary): * Architecture & Design
    • Drawings & Prints
    • Film
    • Media and Performance
    • Painting & Sculpture
    • Photography
  • Usage Rule: Only one department may be assigned per artwork.

Physical Attributes

Technical specifications for archival and display purposes.

Field Name Format Logic
Medium String A concise description of materials used. (e.g., Oil on canvas)
Dimensions String Physical size. Format as: Height x Width x Depth (Units).
Date YYYY or Range The year of completion. Use c. for circa or - for ranges (e.g., 1912-1914).

Content Governance & Style

To maintain a global content ecosystem, follow these formatting rules:

  • Artist Names: Always use First Name Last Name format. Do not use all caps.
  • Dates: If the exact date is unknown, use the decade (e.g., 1920s) rather than "Unknown."
  • Credit Line: Must include the source of funds or donor name as legally required by the acquisition contract.

Note for Developers: > When querying this data via the MoMA API, ensure your headers include Accept-Encoding: gzip to handle the large payload sizes of the full collection export.