In recent years the museum, primarily known for its collection of treasures from the palaces of Ming and Qing dynasty China, has broadened its remit and begun acquiring newly excavated artifacts as well as 20th century calligraphy and painting-including works by such luminaries as Chang Ta-chien, Qi Baishi, Yu Yo-jen and Tai Ching-nung.
故宮的書畫一向以清宮藏品為主，然而隨著時代前進，也特別加強購買新出土古物以及民國以後的書畫作品，以達成一個完整的體系。目前故宮收藏的近代書畫包括有張大千、齊白石、于右任、臺靜農等人的作品。