Gallery Oldham has been collecting artworks and objects since 1883 and is still collecting today. The current collections include social and industrial history items, works of art, decorative art, natural history specimens, geological specimens, archaeological artefacts, photographs and a large number of books, pamphlets and documents. The new Gallery building has brought about an integration of the once separate museum and gallery services, and programming incorporates Oldham's extensive art, social and natural history collections alongside touring work, newly commissioned and contemporary art, international art and work produced with local communities.