Chosen Dr Gordon Rintoul, director of the National Museums of Scotland, Concorde can be seen and explored at the Museum of Flight at East Fortune. © National Museums of Scotland.

This most glamorous of aircrafts, Dr Rintoul says, is a "unique experience."

Chief Executive of the National Archives, Sarah Tyacke picked out Caxton's Indulgence of John Sant, Abbot of Abingdon. © The National Archives.

Produced in 1476 it is the earliest surviving printed document in England and, as Sarah Tyacke puts it, "truly inspirational."

Turner's Battle of Trafalgar, chosen by Roy Clare director of the National Maritime Museum. © National Maritime Museum.

"Nothing," says Clare, "is straightforward about this true masterpiece and Turner's intellect, irony and romantic passion are in every part of it."

Professor Jack Lohman, director of the Museum of London, has selected a statuette of the Hindu god Ganesh. © Museum of London.

The object was discovered on Thames foreshore and, according to Lohman: "shows how London reflects its diversity in hidden and complex ways."

Director of the National Gallery, London Charles Saumaurez Smith opted for Annibale Carracci's Montalto Madonna. © The National Gallery, London.

"Over the last year since we acquired it, during which time we have been able to study it in detail, it has become increasingly clear what an important - and beautiful - acquisition it is," says Saumaurez Smith.

Represented here by a suit worn by John Lennon, National Museums Liverpool's David Fleming chose the wooden stage on which Lennon and Paul McCartney first played together in 1957. © National Museums Liverpool.

Fleming's object of desire is, he says, "hugely symbolic, of Liverpool itself, and of British popular culture. On it began a musical revolution which changed my life, and changed the whole world."

Scenes from the Life of St George, c.1520, might be on display at the V&A but it's the object of desire of choice for Alan Guy, Director of the National Army Museum. © V&A Images/ Victoria and Albert Museum.

"I hope this object stays on display always," says Alan.

The Wallace Collection's Rosalind Savill picked this gold and cornelian snuff box, c.1775. By the kind permission of the Trustees of the Wallace Collection.

"This is a superbly crafted, touchingly human, and exquisitely beautiful useful object," says Rosalind, "I love it!"

The choice of Mark Jones, director of the V&A, is a blotting paper sketch of what would become the Crystal Palace by Joseph Paxton. © V&A Images/ Victoria and Albert Museum.

"This humble piece of paper preserves a moment of creative brilliance: the creation of teh world's first great pre-fabricated building," explains Mark Jones.

Dr Lindsay Sharp, director of the National Museum of Science and Industry, couldn't resist Babbage's Difference Engine. © Sspl/ Science Museum.

Designed by Charles Babbage, the engine says Sharp "represents the birth of computing. What fascinates me," he continues, "is whether Babbage could have had any idea of quite how his work would change the face of the world."

For more information about Museum and Galleries Month have a look at the organisation's website or to check out events in your area consult the 24 Hour Museum What's On page.