This invention provides a holder which retains a natural tissue heart valve assembly during storage and transportation prior to implantation of the valve. The device includes an annular member circumscribing the heart valve assembly above the sewing ring thereof, and resilient arms which extend outwardly of the annular member and are connectable remote from the heart valve assembly. The device further includes resilient elements inclined outwardly for engaging the wall of a container receiving the heart valve holder and also may include a base member for supporting the base of the heart valve assembly and means releasably connecting said base member to said annular member so that the same are in spaced relationship.