Art Commission
The Mission of the Art Commission is to preserve, restore, and interpret the Massachusetts State House Art Collection, review and approve plans for new acquisitions, and foster appreciation for the people and organizations that have made lasting contributions to the Commonwealth and Nation.
State House Art Collection
The State House Art Collection commemorates significant historical events, elected officials and private citizens who have shaped the course of the Commonwealth. Service, sacrifice and outstanding contribution are honored through paintings, sculptures, wall plaques, murals, and historic artifacts. Since 1910 the collection has been overseen by the Massachusetts Art Commission, a five member volunteer board appointed by the governor under General Laws, chapter 6, sections 19 and 20. As curators, the board directs policy and programming to preserve the Commonwealth��s permanent collection, reviews designs for new additions, and addresses issues related to the collections care. The Art Collections Manager is responsible for overseeing the Collections, developing and implementing all programs for care, conservation and collections maintenance, and for addressing inquiries regarding the State House, the Art, Artifact and Flag Collections, public art, scholarly research, and collections care posed by the museum, education, and other cultural communities, as well as the general public.
History of the Massachusetts State House Art Collection
The Commonwealths Art Collection was formed at the Old State House after the Revolution when portraits of ancient governors of the Massachusetts Bay Colony were acquired to replace royal portraits that had been destroyed during the War for Independence.
Acquisitions Criteria for the State House
Acquisition Guidelines for the State House
Reproductions and Permissions
Film Guidelines