An historic exhibition of works from the Government Art Collection (GAC) is to open next year at the Whitechapel Gallery, London. The exhibition will be the first time the collection has been shown in a public gallery in its 113 year history.

The collection's 13,600 works - dating from the 16th century to the present day - are on display in the public areas of more than 450 UK government buildings across the world. Special guest selectors who have a close connection with the artworks will choose items for a changing programme of shows running from June 2011 to September 2012. The exhibition will then visit Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery and Ulster Museum.

The GAC showcases British art in government buildings including Downing Street, the Home Office and British embassies and residences in nearly every capital city worldwide. The works promote British art and culture in the UK and overseas and are seen by the many thousands of visitors to the different locations.

Further information about the exhibition - including the names of the guest selectors - will be announced later by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Whitechapel Gallery.