Wallpaper in the Chinese Dressing Room at Saltram

Art & collections

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Visitors enjoying Rembrandt selfie at Buckland Abbey

Introducing our remarkable collections 

We care for one of the world’s largest art and heritage collections. With close to one million objects at over 200 historic places, a surprise discovery awaits you around every corner.

Collection treasures
Stories from our places
View into the Main Hall at Croome, Worcestershire.

Croome's treasures return home 

This year, the historic collection of the Earls of Coventry returned to Croome after 70 years. Lead Curator Jane Gallagher recounts Croome's reversal of fortune - a tale of loss, hardship and survival. This grand house and surrounding estate, which variously served as a secret RAF base, school house and Hare Krishna retreat, reveal a story of fascinating twists and turns.

Uncover Croome's tale of loss and fortune
The Madonna of Humility by Francescuccio Ghissi

The art of the triptych at our places 

A triptych is a work of art divided into three sections. These three-fold objects range from monumental altarpieces to private devotional objects. From Bosch to the Pre-Raphaelites, discover the beautiful examples on show at our places.

Triptychs to explore
The Penitent Magdalen by Sir Peter Lely

Object in focus: the Penitent Magdalen 

Discover what has emerged from the shadows as David Taylor, our Curator of pictures and sculpture, discusses this beautiful painting by Anglo-Dutch artist Sir Peter Lely. The picture, cleaned and conserved earlier this year, now hangs resplendent in the Saloon at Kingston Lacy, where many other fine works by the artist are housed.

Shedding light on a rare picture by Lely
The Library at Belton House, Lincolnshire

House and collection highlights at our places 

Get closer to the many objects and works of art in the houses and world-class collections we care for in our round-up of articles.

Browse all our collections articles

Exhibition highlights

Bright patchwork squares of red and orange shades on a blanket made by Kaffe Fassett, on display at Mottisfont

Our special exhibitions 

Every year we host special exhibitions and new displays in some of our most iconic buildings and outdoor spaces. Look out for Kaffe Fassett's Colour knitwear and textile designs at Mottisfont in our autumn highlights.

Luke Jerram arranging clocks for the Harrison's Garden installation

Trust New Art 

Get connected to our places through our contemporary art exhibitions and events, in partnership with the Arts Council. Catch the Harrison's Garden installation of over 2,000 clocks by artist Luke Jerram in the Library at Castle Drogo before it moves on.

Recent acquisitions and loans

ord Henry Paget, later the 7th Marquess of Anglesey (1922-2013), at the age of 14, by Rex Whistler (1905-44)

Latest acquisitions 

Our collections are constantly revitalised through new acquisitions. Most recently Rex Whistler's portrait of Lord Henry Paget has been acquired for Plas Newydd.

Sevres porcelain Powis Csatle

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