The permanent collection typically consists of works that are part of the museum's core holdings and are typically displayed in a dedicated gallery or galleries, while special exhibitions feature works that are usually loaned from other institutions or private collections and are on display for a limited period of time.
Additionally, the focus of special exhibitions is often on a specific theme, artist, or time period, while the permanent collection encompasses a broader range of artworks that are representative of the museum's overall collection. Special exhibitions may also have a separate admission fee, while access to the permanent collection is typically included in the general admission price.
What is the difference between a museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions?
Special exhibitions rarely change but the permanent collection is always offering new objects to see.
All the works are owned by the museum but the permanent collection is always on display while special exhibitions are only taken out for some occasions.
The permanent collection usually requires an admission fee but special exhibitions do not.
Special exhibitions contain works borrowed from other museums and collections and the permanent collection is maintained by the host museum
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