After the Gallery was opened, collecting focused on strengthening the neo-avantgarde material and purchasing relevant works of art from the Iparterv generation of neo-avantgarde artists. The museum has obtained works by Gyula Konkoly, László Lakner, and Endre Tót in this manner. Furthermore, works by Dóra Maurer were acquired, as well as two important compositions by Tibor Gáyor. At the same time, the museum purchased pictures by Sándor Bernáth(y) and Ákos Birkás, one from each. In this period, alongside the government and public bodies, the Soros Foundation also provided support for the fine arts.

After 1990, opportunities for new acquisition became limited: only a few works could be purchased, and only two times annually.

Despite the difficulties, new acquisitions were occasionally made, for instance works by János Nádasdy, Gyula Konkoly, and Károly Halász. At the same time, the legal successor to the founder donated more than fifty works of art, originally meant for public sale. These included five works by György Galántai and one painting by Dezső Váli.