A Hobart man has been charged with multiple counts of stealing valuable antiques from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

The theft of the antiques was first noticed by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery early in 2012.

The items were a part of the Markree collection donated by the late Henry Baldwin in 2008.

They included antique jewellery, original WWI photographs and diecast toys.

The museum launched an internal investigation.

A 40-year-old employee from Lindisfarne resigned and the matter was then handed over to police.

This morning police charged the man with 21 counts of stealing.

Police say they expect to lay more charges.

It is alleged the man sold the items on an online auction site.

Police have recovered some of the items but say many have allegedly been sold and distributed across the globe.