Overview and Highlights

The Gallery’s permanent collection was founded in 1832 when the patriot-artist John Trumbull gave more than one hundred of his paintings to Yale College. Since that time, the collection has grown to number more than 250,000 objects representing Eastern and Western cultures and ranging in date from ancient times to the present day.

Collection Highlights

Conservation

The Conservation Department works with all departments at the Gallery to ensure the long-term care of the collection. The department recognizes the importance of preventive conservation and recommends, develops, and institutes measures to ensure appropriate conditions for the storage, transport, and display of art.

Working in collaboration with curatorial staff, the department undertakes appropriate conservation procedures on individual objects to the highest-possible standards in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

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Collection Resources

The Yale University Art Gallery welcomes individuals and groups to view its collections in the public galleries as well as in a number of special study rooms, online resources, and archives. To learn more about the Furniture Study, Study Room for Coins and Medals, Nolen Center Library, or Study Room for Prints, Drawings, and Photographs, as well as the Gallery’s archives, online resources, and collection policies, visit our Resources page.

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