As I noted in my last blog, one of the primary functions of an art museum is to collect works of art. Did you know that a museum has different types of collections? The Met's Permanent Collection Curator Kristina Hornback explained the differences to me.

First of all, while the Met is an art and science museum its collection focuses on art objects and artifacts. The Museum's collecting practices are guided by an official “collection policy,” which is designed and overseen by the Collection Committee and implemented and administered by Ms. Hornback.

There are basically two types of collections at the Met: the permanent and property collections.

The permanent collection consists of objects that have been accessioned into our collection. Kristina explains, “The permanent collection is composed of objects that have been reviewed and legally accepted by the Board of Trustees, they are objects that the Museum has committed to preserving forever (that is, to conserving them and repairing them if they become damaged).” Before an object or group of objects is put up for accession or formal acquisition, the items are reviewed by the Museum's professional staff and a recommendation is made to the Board of Trustees. The objects that are recommended for accessioning must be of “museum-quality,” which means, according to Ms. Hornback, that the works are either made by a known artist or executed with great skill, and, in good condition.

On the other hand, the property collection is a group of objects that are not of “museum quality” while still possessing educational value. For example, property collection items might be used as part of a museum workshop, lecture, or hands-on activity. These objects have not been accessioned into the Museum's collection.

In answer to a question, Kristina stated that objects in the Met's permanent collection have been acquired as gifts, rather than purchased by, the Museum. To learn more about what's in the Met's art collection, visit our Website Collections page. In my next blog, I'll look more closely at how a museum preserves its collection and traveling exhibitions.

Posted by Teresa España, Director of Education and Interpretation. You can e-mail Teresa at teresae@fresnomet.org.