
Art and collections
We care for one of the world's largest and most significant collections of art and heritage objects. Explore the highlights, our latest major exhibitions, curatorial research and more.
Launched in 2009, Trust New Art is an initiative that was designed to bring people closer to contemporary art through the medium of National Trust places. On this page, you'll find out about all the exhibitions and events that are happening near you, and discover how to get involved with future Trust New Art projects.
Many National Trust places were built with art at their heart. Since 2009, Trust New Art has been continuing this important creative legacy by connecting people to these places through contemporary arts - from crafts to architecture, performance to immersive installations.
So far, we’ve worked with more than 300 artists to present new work that's taken visitors to unexplored areas, revealed hidden stories and helped people to see these places in different ways.
Installed next to Trout Bridge on Wallington's River Walk, Nothing Exists Alone is a contemporary steel piece that depicts wolves running through the trees. It was created by INSTAR (aka Trish Evans and Nick Humphreys), who produce contemporary work with deeper connections to the natural world.
Permanent
At this site over 800 years ago, the feudal barons forced King John to seal the Magna Carta. Now, Turner Prize-winning artist Mark Wallinger, in collaboration with architectural practice Studio Octopi, has created a tranquil space that gives visitors the chance to consider the ongoing significance and influences of this historic agreement. Commissioned in association with Situations.
Permanent
Visit Writ in Water at Runnymede
Take a seat in this ancient landscape, where the Magna Carta was signed over 800 years ago. Hew Locke’s 12 bronze jurors’ chairs invite you to reflect on the histories and issues on display, and to debate the meaning of justice.
Permanent
This striking neon-light installation, designed by Northern Irish artist Kevin Killen, places a bespoke contemporary display inside an historic house. Inspired by the glow of the acetylene gas flame that lit The Argory, The Artificial Sunshine delivers an entirely modern take on this celebrated form of lighting.
Permanent
There are many ways to get involved with Trust New Art, from working with us as an artist to volunteering at a National Trust place.
The Trust New Art programme is planned up to four years in advance, and projects can be initiated by our own teams, or through collaborations with museums, galleries, universities and professional organisations. The majority of our commissions are selected through an open-call process, and we advertise these through our website and social media feeds, as well as on Arts Jobs, which is Arts Council England’s opportunities board.
Due to the large volume of proposals received, we can only follow up in exceptional circumstances and are not able to return unsolicited material.
To get in touch, email trustnewart@nationaltrust.org.uk.
We care for one of the world's largest and most significant collections of art and heritage objects. Explore the highlights, our latest major exhibitions, curatorial research and more.
Explore the exhibitions hosted at some of the places in our care. From showcasing art and collections to exploring the connections between people and places, there's lots to discover.
100 Paintings from the Collections of the National Trust showcases works by some of the most renowned European artists of all time, cared for by the Trust and housed in its properties.
As fashions change over the eras, so do our homes. Explore the history of British interior design and learn about the centuries of design innovation at the places we care for.