Cork model of Horse Guards' Parade in front of a fireplace at Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Cambridgeshire — Cork model of Horse Guards' Parade at Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/Jaron James

Art and collections

Explore one of the world’s largest art and heritage collections. With more than one million objects at over 200 historic places, there's many stories to discover.

Roses in art and collections we care for

Did you know that the ancient Greeks and Romans loved to grow roses? Discover the roots and symbolism of these much-loved flowers through the objects and art in our care.

Red and white roses in a still life by Ambrosius Bosschaert at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

Sporting history in the collections we care for

Taking part in sports is a popular pastime all over the world. From the origins of the Olympics to the evolution of cricket, discover sports through the ages at the collections and places we look after.

The restored statue of the Wrestlers at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire.

Great books in our collections

Explore a selection from more than half a million books and manuscripts in the collections we care for. Libraries Curator Tim Pye takes a closer look at some of the most significant works.

Terracotta and black plate in Hamilton 'Collection of Etruscan Greek and Roman Antiquities' (Naples: 1766-1767), part of the Library collection at Tatton Park, Cheshire.

Where to see great masterpieces in our care

Works from Velázquez and Rembrandt are among the treasure trove of paintings from Europe that hang at the places we look after. Find out where to see them.

A painting of a young man casually lying on the ground in a green woodland glade. He wears ornate blue and white Elizabethan-style trousers and bodice and he has a dark brown beard and moustache. Behind him, in another woodland glade, there are two horses and another figure.

The stories behind the works of Beatrix Potter

Explore the stories behind the illustrations, sketches and letters of this legendary author, preserved at her former home in the Lake District.

A notepad with a watercolour painting by Beatrix Potter being held up to the camera

Highlights from 100 paintings in the collections we care for

The 13,000 oil paintings in our care are nearly all displayed in the houses of their historic owners. Learn about the stories behind a selection of the artworks and their owners.

Still Life of Food, a Jug and Glasses on a Table by Pieter Claesz showing a silver jug and a cooked crab on the table

About the collections in our care

See the breadth of our collection of works of art, furniture and more: we care for around a million objects at over 200 historic places, there’s a surprise discovery around every corner.

Paintings on display in the Upper Gallery at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

Our latest collection acquisitions

Discover some of our most recent acquisitions and the stories behind them, from paintings and objects kindly donated to us, to others purchased at nail-biting auctions.

Conservator April Johnson applies touch up paint to the fine oil painting 'Penelope and Euriclea' by Angelica Kauffman displayed inside the picture gallery, Stourhead, Wiltshire

Loaning items to exhibitions

Explore just some of the paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and furniture that we lend to museums and galleries around the world, so they can be enjoyed by millions of people.

Conservators working on collection items at The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio at Knole, Kent

Cultural Heritage Publishing

We publish two illustrated research journals every year, containing expert insights into our places and collections, curatorial content, and the latest conservation news.

Iron and Coal on Tyneside in the 19th Century by William Bell Scott (1811–1890) at Wallington, Northumberland

How to donate an object

Our collection continues to grow thanks to generous donors and supporters, helping us share new stories and perspectives on our historic places. Find out more about donating an object, including examples of what we're currently looking to collect.

The Huddleston Missal prayerbook, now on display at Moseley Old Hall, Staffordshire

Expert tips for tackling insect pests that damage clothes, paper and furniture

A National Trust conservator explains how to identify insect pests like clothes moths, carpet beetles and silverfish and prevent the damage they can do in your home.