About .museum domain
.museum is a sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) operated by the Museum Domain Management Association (MuseDoma). It was delegated into the DNS root in October 2001, making it one of the first sponsored TLDs established through ICANN. The registry's purpose is to provide a dedicated and verified namespace for the global museum community, governed by a specific charter. It is managed under a formal ICANN registry agreement.
Who can register .museum domain
Registration for a .museum domain is restricted. Eligible registrants must be verified as belonging to the museum community as defined by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). This includes museums themselves, museum associations, and individual members of the museum profession. Applicants must provide credentials during the registration process, which are checked by the registry or its accredited registrars before a domain is approved.
How to register .museum domain
- First, search for your desired .museum domain name through an accredited registrar to confirm its availability, keeping in mind the TLD's naming conventions and eligibility requirements.
- If available, you will proceed with the registrar's application process, which includes submitting documentation to verify your affiliation with the museum profession or a qualifying institution.
- Complete the checkout and payment for the domain registration, which will initiate the registry's review of your eligibility credentials.
- Once your application is approved by the registry, you can then configure your domain's DNS settings and publish your website.
Typical uses of .museum domain
The .museum extension is used almost exclusively by museums, museum associations, and professionals within the museum sector to establish an authentic and community-specific online presence. Institutions choose this TLD to clearly signal their legitimacy and affiliation within the cultural heritage field, differentiating themselves from commercial or generic domains. While not all museums use it as their primary web address, it serves as a formal, verified namespace for the global museum community, reinforcing institutional credibility.
Tips for registering .museum domain
- Registrations require prior verification of the applicant's credentials as a museum, museum association, or museum professional.
- The TLD operates under a Charter Eligibility Dispute Resolution Procedure (CEDRP) in addition to the standard UDRP for resolving conflicts.
- Naming conventions originally required domains at the third level (e.g., name.city.museum) but direct second-level registrations (e.g., name.museum) are now permitted.
- Domain management and registration policies are defined by the Museum Domain Management Association in accordance with its ICANN agreement.
Frequently asked questions about .museum domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .museum domain?
As of today, .museum domains start from $38.59/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $84.84/yr across 8 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .museum domains?
NameBeta tracks 8 registrars that support .museum domain registration, with the cheapest option at $38.59/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .museum domain?
The registry for .museum domains is Museum Domain Management Association.
Who can register a .museum domain?
Eligibility is strictly limited to entities and individuals verified as part of the museum community. This includes accredited museums, professional museum associations, and qualified members of the museum profession, such as curators or archivists. Applicants must provide proof of their status, which is validated by the registry or its accredited partners before a domain is activated.
Can I transfer a .museum domain between registrars?
Transferring a .museum domain between registrars follows the standard EPP transfer process, but the domain's eligibility status remains tied to the registrant. The gaining registrar will need to confirm the registrant still meets the .museum charter's requirements. It's advisable to ensure your WHOIS contact information is accurate and to obtain the necessary authorization code from your current registrar to initiate the transfer.
What happens if my eligibility status changes after I register a .museum domain?
The .museum charter requires domains to be held by eligible entities. If a registrant's status changes and they no longer qualify (e.g., an institution loses its museum accreditation), they may be obligated to relinquish the domain. The registry has policies and a dispute procedure (CEDRP) to address such situations where a domain is no longer used by a qualified member of the museum community.
Are there any special naming rules for .museum domains?
Yes, the registry has established naming conventions to promote a logical structure. While direct second-level registrations (like art.museum) are now allowed, the original model encouraged third-level registrations under categories like .art.museum or .history.museum. The chosen name should appropriately reflect the registrant's identity or focus within the museum sector.
How does the dispute resolution policy for .museum differ from other TLDs?
.museum employs two key dispute mechanisms. It uses the standard Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) for trademark-based conflicts. Additionally, it has a Charter Eligibility Dispute Resolution Procedure (CEDRP) specifically to challenge whether a domain holder meets the TLD's eligibility requirements, which is unique to this sponsored domain.
