A permanent collection refers to a group of artworks or artifacts that are owned by a museum or gallery and are intended to be displayed for an extended period. These collections often include significant pieces that represent the institution's mission, history, or focus, such as paintings, sculptures, or historical artifacts. Permanent collections are typically not for sale and are maintained to educate the public and preserve cultural heritage. They may be rotated in and out of public view, but the items remain part of the institution's holdings, contributing to ongoing research and scholarship in fields like art history or archaeology.