What is the Government Art Collection?
125 years-old, the Government Art Collection displays works of art in British government buildings in the UK and over 125 countries around the world. Its 15,000 works of art promote British art, history and culture worldwide.
David Hockney, Luncheon at the British Embassy, Tokyo, 16 February 1983 © David Hockney / image: Hiroshi Sumitomo (Japan).
What does the Collection do?
The Government Art Collection, established in 1899, is a national collection of historic, modern and contemporary British art that is displayed in government buildings in the UK and around the world. These locations include 10 and 11 Downing Street, government departments, embassies and the residences of British Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consulates-General in over 125 countries worldwide.
The works are seen by thousands of visitors, promoting British art and contributing to cultural diplomacy and delivering an expression of the UK’s soft power. Staff from the Collection curate displays of art in government buildings at home and abroad, oversee the transport, and handle the conservation of each of its 15,000 works.
The Government Art Collection is part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Central government funds the Collection’s core work, and particular projects are funded through partnerships and philanthropic support.
John Dugger, Time-Zones, 1986 © John Dugger
Where can I see the Collection?
We want as many people as possible to see the works of art in this national collection. You can explore these online or by following us on social media. If you want to see the works in the Collection for yourself, we frequently loan works to exhibitions, partnership projects and public programmes. Works from the Collection have even been displayed in schools, libraries, shopping malls, sports venues and a horse riding centre!
Mel Brimfield’s 4′ 33″ (Prepared Pianola for Roger Bannister) on display as part of Ways of Seeing / image: Thierry Bal.
Do you still collect works of art?
Yes, we do. We collect works by artists who are British or have a connection to the UK, and place this art in significant locations, celebrating and showcasing the UK’s commitment to culture.
How do you collect artwork?
While the Collection works alongside government, our curators decide which works of art are brought into the Collection and how they are displayed. Curators choose to acquire works, with input from an Advisory Committee which consists of directors of national art institutions in the UK, and independent arts professionals.
Recent acquisitions
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Where can I see the Collection?
Find out where you can see the Government Art Collection, through loans to exhibitions and collections across the UK.
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!
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, we've grown into a dynamic collection that represents the UK at home and abroad.