Art in the Ackland's Collection
The Ackland’s collection of over 21,000 works of art spans time periods and cultures, showcasing the breadth and depth of human expression.
About the Ackland’s Collection
The collection of the Ackland Art Museum now includes more than 21,000 works of art. The Ackland makes acquisitions on the basis of three criteria:
- artistic excellence (compelling visual form and thematic content),
- relationship to the existing collection and the exhibition program, and
- potential for teaching and learning.
In the words of an early mission statement, the Ackland acquires objects “chosen for their quality and their ability to convey the breadth of human achievement in the visual arts.” This encyclopedic ambition has given the Ackland a substantial collection well-suited for our diverse communities. The collection forms the foundation for our exhibition program and our service to University students, faculty, and the people of North Carolina.