This paper is devoted to one of the most important institutions for the preservation, conservation and dissemination of artistic heritage in Mexico: the Centro Nacional de Conservaci6n y Registro del Patrimonio Artistico Mueble (Cencropam) at the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes (lNBA). The paper describes Cencropam's background and its current functions, as well as the substantial role of this organization in registering artistic works through the General Systems for Registration of Artistic Works (Sigroa and Sigropam). On the basis of the analysis on the achievements and challenges that the inventory of artistic works faces nowadays, this paper proposes new development perspectives on collection management for both the INBA and Cencropam.