A permanent collection is a composition of carefully selected artworks, artifacts and objects that are thoughtfully collected, prudently managed, meticulously inventoried and owned by either a private or public museum, or a private or public gallery. When a public museum holds a permanent collection, it assumes all ethical, fiduciary, legal and professional responsibility for the artwork.

Generally, a public museum has at least one permanent collection of objects of importance under its stewardship and it is the museum’s sole responsibility to promote, preserve, protect and conserve the artwork and make it accessible to the public.

A permanent collection is an enduring, indelible, erudite, responsible and accountable way of preserving, studying and researching art history. Aside from community building and societal cohesion, a diligently cultivated and deftly promoted permanent collection is indispensable in national branding and development.