About the Collection
For 125 years, the Government Art Collection has championed British art, history and culture around the world. Find out how it all began and the ways in which the Collection has developed across time.
What is the Government Art Collection?
Why does the Government have an art collection? What does it collect? Why is the Collection spread across the world?
History of the Collection
For 125 years, the Government Art Collection has been acquiring and displaying artworks that showcase British creativity and culture. From our humble beginnings in 1899 as a cost-effective way to decorate government rooms, we've grown into a diverse and dynamic collection that represents the UK at home and abroad.
A working collection
Works from the Collection are regularly on the move. Find out what’s needed to make this happen and the job mission of the artworks themselves
Advisory Committee
The role of the Advisory Committee is to approve the acquisition and commission of works of art and to advise on the policy and stewardship of the Collection. See who the current members are.
Roles in action
Looking after over 15,000 works of art, our staff bring expertise, passion and pragmatism to their roles. Discover what happens behind the scenes through a series of interviews and accounts.
Explore the Collection
There are so many ways to discover this unusual collection. Search for an artist, type in a capital city or be surprised by the loudest artwork is in the Government Art Collection!