Detail of verdure tapestry at Cotehele, Cornwall

Art & collections

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Elizabeth I

Great masterpieces in our collections 

Be inspired by some of the greatest masterpieces in our collections, chosen by the National Trust's Curator of Pictures and Sculpture. From Bosch and Burne-Jones to Rembrandt and Whistler, these are exceptional paintings on show among the 200 historic houses we care for.

Revealing the masters
Festive sparkle
The peacock dress

Striking gold 

Take a look at the decorative use of gold in our collections, from goldwork in textiles, gold leaf and gilding to solid gold rings and coins. Here are 12 shining objects to reflect on.

Ceramics

How to care for ceramics 

Discover a thing or two from National Trust experts on how to treasure your favourite ceramic and porcelain objects. From flower pots to tea services and decorative figurines, every household has them and they need looking after.

Close up of hands holding open a 15th-century illustrated Book of Hours

Introducing our remarkable collections 

We care for one of the world’s largest art and heritage collections. With more than one million objects at over 200 historic places - including over 400,000 book titles - a surprise discovery awaits you around every corner.

Dutch masters in Prized Possessions at the Holburne Museum, Bath

Dutch masters unveiled at Petworth House in January 

See some of the finest 17th-century Dutch pictures from our collections on show together for the final stage of the Prized Possessions exhibition at Petworth House, West Sussex. This is the first major exhibition of the Trust’s paintings in 22 years. Opens 26 January 2019

Book tickets now
Portraits for We are Bess hang with the historic portraits in the Long Gallery at Hardwick

Special exhibitions guide 

Here's our guide to current and future exhibitions at our places. Take your pick from exhibitions showcasing Jacobean portraits, women's suffrage and diversity, The Tiger Who Came to Tea artwork and more.

Mural painting

William Morris and his Palace of Art at Red House 

The interiors of Red House in Kent are decorated with painted scenes from literature that held potent meanings for William Morris, founder of the Arts & Crafts movement. A new book by Tessa Wild, the former curator of Red House, sheds more light.

Explore the Red House wall paintings
Places with collections we recommend
Petworth House from the Pleasure Ground in winter

Petworth 

Petworth, West Sussex

Inspired by the Baroque palaces of Europe and nestled in the South Downs, Petworth House displays the finest art collection in the care of the National Trust.

Partially open today
View all opening times 

Sheep in the frost at Belton House

Belton House 

Grantham, Lincolnshire

The perfect English country house?

Partially open today
View all opening times 

Autumn glow at Knole

Knole 

Sevenoaks, Kent

Be part of a 400 year history of visiting Knole

Partially open today
View all opening times 

Recent acquisitions and loans

Philips Wouwerman, The Conversion of Saint Hubert, 1660

Latest acquisitions 

Our collections are constantly revitalised through new acquisitions. Recently, a collection of paintings, including a number of Old Masters, have been allocated to the National Trust for display at Penhryn Castle through the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme.

Painting by Murillo

Loans to others 

Each year we lend many items from our collections to external exhibitions. You may be surprised to find out where our objects go on show.

Explore our collections

The majority of objects in our care are recorded on our National Trust Collections website. You'll find many intriguing items to explore at places near you

Search our online collections