Philadelphia Museum of Art Library

Acquisition of Works of Art

Donate Now The Museum’s collections of some 300, 000 objects represent masterpieces of painting, sculpture, decorative arts and architectural settings from Europe, Asia and the Americas. It's by continually adding new works of art to these collections that the Museum ensures they will remain relevant and reflective of a diverse local and global audience for many years to come. Contributions to the acquisition fund enable the Museum to take advantage of extraordinary opportunities in the art market—if, for example, a Philadelphia treasure is in danger of being sold, or should an exceptional object turn up at auction. The Friends of the Alfred Stieglitz Center, brings together collectors, artists, curators, and other enthusiasts of photography. Each year, the Friends select works of art for the Museum's photography collections. Another way to support acquisitions is by joining the Young Friends. Proceeds from the Young Friends annual gala and other programs are directed to the acquisition of specific works of art.

Supporting Conservation

Donate Now As one of the nation’s great artistic and historic resources, the Philadelphia Museum of Art assumes the enormous responsibility of preserving its collections for future generations. The conservation of approximately 300, 000 objects, dating as far back as 500 A.D. and encompassing an astonishing diversity of mediums, presents both monumental challenges and exceptional opportunities for research and discovery. However, the professional and technical resources required to carry out this work can often be difficult to come by. Gifts in support of conservation at the Philadelphia Museum of Art are used to improve the laboratory facilities, to support the treatment of works of art, and to maintain the Museum’s position as a leading center for conservation training and research. Learn more about conservation at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.