Collections

About our Collections

Archives Collection

The collections of the Region of Peel Archives form the official archival repository of the Region of Peel and its member municipalities of Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon. We collect, preserve, and provide access to a wide range of government and non-government records constituting the rich documentary heritage of Peel.  The Archives is open by appointment only.  Read more information about Archives Research and Services. 

Art gallery collection

Established in 1968, the Art Gallery permanent collection has grown to over 5700 works of historical and contemporary art, created by over 900 artists. Primarily represented by Canadian artists, with an emphasis on those associated with Peel Region, it also includes a host of international names.

For research inquiries or questions about the collection please contact PAMAArtGallery@peelregion.ca.

David Somers Works on Paper

David Somers, Curator and Manager of the Peel Heritage Complex (now PAMA) from 1989 - 2007 was instrumental in shaping the direction of the organization, in particular, its outstanding collection of art.  Before his untimely death in 2009, David established a Works on Paper Endowment Fund to ensure the collection would continue to grow in this key area.

Works on paper in PAMA's collection feature over 3,000 prints, drawings, paintings, and photographs by contemporary and historic artists.  The Works on Paper Gallery showcases this part of the permanent collection in thematic exhibitions, including works given in memory of late Curator David Somers, as well as new acquisitions purchased with the support of the David Somers Works on Paper Endowment Fund. 

Caroline and Franklin Armington

Brampton-born Caroline Armington and her husband Frank were Canadian artists who enjoyed successful careers in Europe during the early part of the 20th century. 

Prints and paintings by the Armingtons have been collected by many international galleries including the Louvre and the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as the National Gallery of Canada. Owing to a major acquisition in 1981, PAMA holds the largest public collection of Armington prints in the world.

Read the Peel Archives Blog's article about Caroline Armington, her art, and her archival records.

Museum collection

PAMA’s Museum Collection has grown to over 14,000 objects that are held in trust and in benefit for the residents of the Region of Peel. Broadly, the museum collection represents the diverse cultural history of Peel Region, with storytelling at the centre of its mandate. This means that the museum collects objects that have provenance or a story that connects them to the geographic area now known as the Region of Peel.  Objects in the collection may connect to or be representative of:

• the people and communities who have lived in worked in, or had an impact on the Peel area;
• the places, events, or business/industries which have made significant contributions to the understanding of the history and development of the Region of Peel area;
• the development and decision-making of the Regional Municipality of Peel and its predecessor municipality, the County of Peel.

The Museum continues to collect and share objects that help to tell stories of this evolving region and its residents.  If you have a suggestion for the collection, a research inquiry, or questions about the collection please connect with the museum team at PAMAMuseum@peelregion.ca.

Donate to our collections

All objects proposed for acquisition are assessed against specific criteria. PAMA considers an object’s physical condition, documentation, and relevance to PAMA's Collections Management Policy. If we are unable to accept your donation, we will do our best to refer you to another museum or archive, whose mission is more closely aligned to your objects.

The Art Gallery and Museum are temporarily not accepting donations at this time. We are currently in the process of updating our collections strategy and are also making improvements to our collection’s storage facilities.