What is the Government Art Collection?

Almost 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 from the 16th century to today promote British art, history and culture worldwide.

a photo collage from the Government Art Collection

David Hockney, Luncheon at the British Embassy, Tokyo, 16 February 1983 © David Hockney / image: Hiroshi Sumitomo (Japan).

What does the Collection do?

The Collection plays a role in British cultural diplomacy. It delivers an expression of Britain’s soft power, its culture and its values, in UK government buildings at home and abroad. Staff from the Collection curate displays, oversee the transport, and handle the conservation of each of these 15,000 works.

The Government Art Collection sits within the UK Government Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Central government funds its core work, with particular projects jointly funded through partnerships and philanthropic support. The Collection also has museum status.

The Residence is busy. We have over 10,000 people passing through each year – maybe only Paris can match that number. What we do is wildly various; conferences on nuclear decommissioning, the launch of a new Stella McCartney collection, or celebrating the latest Thomas the Tank Engine book! We do big events with several hundreds, intimate dinners for the First Sea Lord, or working breakfasts with Japanese CEOs. For each of them, we need them to believe they have entered a new world: Britain@Tokyo.

Tim Hitchens, former British Ambassador to Japan from 2012–16 on the role of art in the Residence in Tokyo.

the Government Art Collection's textile work on the wall

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 Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The Government Art Collection is also committed to ensuring wider public access to its works of art through our loans to exhibitions, partnership projects and public programmes.

the Government Art Collection's large piano-like work of art in a white cube space

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?

Yes, we do. The Collection continues to grow, capturing the talent and interests of every generation. 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 in the context of diplomacy.

How do you collect?

While the Collection works alongside government, it retains curatorial independence in its acquisitions and displays of art. Collection curators choose to acquire works, with input from an Advisory Committee consisting of directors of national art institutions in the UK, and independent arts professionals.

Explore more

A visitor to Dulwich Picture Gallery's British Surrealism exhibition looks at Government Art Collection work

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.

interior of an art store with two people checking works of art

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

Image of a headless King Henry VIII wearing decorative costume

History of the Collection

Art is one way of documenting Britain’s long-standing relationships with other nations. Learn about the history of the Collection and its role in British cultural diplomacy.