The permanent collection of the Johnson Museum of Art holds over 35,000 objects spanning all media and time periods from the ancient to the contemporary. The collection has been assembled since the founding of the University in 1865 largely through the generosity of its many donors—both alumni and friends. Many donors choose to make a gift of art—either during their lifetimes or by bequest—to enhance the Museum’s collections and support its mission as a teaching and research institution, so that future generations might experience the power and enjoyment of great works of art.

The Johnson Museum welcomes gifts of art consistent with the focus of the collections and the Museum’s commitment to excellence.

How artwork is accepted to the Johnson Museum’s permanent collection:

• All proposals are reviewed by the curatorial department and the Museum director. If determined appropriate for the Museum collections, proposals are then presented to the Museum Advisory Council, who must vote to approve each work of art for acquisition. Acquisitions are accepted at the fall and spring Museum Advisory Council meetings.
• The Museum’s registrar creates a deed of gift that officially transfers the work to the Museum.
• The Museum does not generally deaccession art. The Museum must own the works for a minimum of three years to deaccession works. Money received from deaccessioning can only be used for the purchase of new acquisitions.