The public domain is a fascinating and vital concept for anyone who loves art, history, or creativity. To help you navigate this topic, we’ve gathered some of the most relevant questions about the public domain and answered them below. Whether you’re curious about its significance, the artists entering it in 2025, or how copyright laws differ globally, this guide will offer you clarity and inspiration. Let’s get started!

What is the public domain?

The public domain refers to a vast collection of creative works whose copyrights have expired or never existed, granting unrestricted access to timeless pieces of art, literature, music, and more. These works are free for anyone to use, recreate, or reinterpret without legal restrictions, making them a cornerstone of creative freedom.

What happens on Public Domain Day?

Every January 1, Public Domain Day celebrates the arrival of new works into the public domain, making them accessible to everyone. In 2025, the world welcomes a wealth of creativity, including paintings by André Derain, celebrated for his bold Fauvist compositions that reshaped early modern art. Literary masterpieces like Jacinto Benavente's The Unloved Woman, and musical works such as Franco Alfano’s Cyrano de Bergerac join the public domain, alongside iconic contributions by Henri Matisse and Frida Kahlo. These additions expand the horizons for artists, writers, and enthusiasts to explore, reinterpret, and be inspired by these timeless works.

These works enter the public domain in countries where copyright laws adhere to the 70-year rule after a creator’s death, which includes much of Europe, the United States, and Canada (as of 2023). However, the timeline is not universal. In Mexico, for example, copyrights extend to 100 years, while countries like New Zealand and many African nations use a 50-year rule. Understanding these variations is essential for appreciating the global impact of public domain works and their accessibility.

For example, if an artist passed away on September 1, 1954, their works would enter the public domain on January 1, 2025, in countries with the 70-year rule. This consistency allows creators, collectors, and enthusiasts to plan for new opportunities each year to engage with these works.

For a deeper dive into this year’s public domain entries, visit the Public Domain Review’s blog post on Public Domain Day 2025.

What types of works are typically included in the public domain?

The public domain encompasses a vast and diverse array of creative works. These include iconic paintings, timeless literature, evocative music, and films that have shaped cultural narratives. Beyond traditional art forms, the public domain also spans architecture, with historical building designs becoming open for reinterpretation, and research papers, which offer invaluable insights for academic and scientific advancement. This richness of content ensures that creators, educators, and enthusiasts alike can explore and draw inspiration from works that cross disciplines and defy boundaries.

Does the public domain vary by country? 

Yes! Copyright laws differ globally, influencing when works enter the public domain. In the United States and most European Union member states, works typically enter the public domain 70 years after the creator’s death. Canada aligned with this rule in 2023, extending its previous 50-year duration to 70 years. Meanwhile, countries like Mexico have longer terms, with copyrights lasting up to 100 years after the creator's death. On the other hand, some countries, like New Zealand and certain African nations, use shorter durations of 50 years after the creator’s death.

Adding to the complexity, these rules can also apply differently to specific types of works, such as music, film, or anonymous pieces. For example, a book authored by a single writer might enter the public domain under a straightforward timeline, but films with collaborative creators or corporate ownership may have different rules.

Understanding these nuances is crucial for navigating the global landscape of public domain art and knowing when you can freely engage with a work across borders.

Why is the public domain important for creativity?

The public domain serves as a vital resource for creative innovation. It provides unrestricted access to timeless works of art, literature, and music, enabling artists, writers, and designers to reinterpret and reimagine these classics without legal barriers. By building on the works of the past, creators can push boundaries and develop fresh ideas that resonate with modern audiences. For example, André Derain's Fauvist masterpieces will inspire new explorations of bold color and form in contemporary art. Similarly, Franz Kafka’s The Trial and Béla Bartók’s String Quartet No. 5 open opportunities for storytelling, design, and composition that bridge history with innovation. The public domain not only preserves cultural heritage but also ensures its relevance for future generations, fostering creativity on a global scale. We meticulously curate and reproduce these works with archival materials to honor their originality while making them accessible to all. From Odilon Redon’s dreamlike compositions to Dankvart Dreyer’s emotive landscapes, each piece is a tribute to history and a gift to the present.

What can you do with public domain art?

Whether you’re curating a gallery wall, searching for a statement piece, or simply exploring the stories behind the art, public domain works offer endless possibilities. They connect us to the past, spark creativity, and bring timeless elegance into our everyday lives.

Can public domain works be modified or commercialized?

Yes, works in the public domain can be freely modified, adapted, or used for commercial purposes without seeking permission. This freedom allows businesses like Milisima Studio to reproduce these works with new contexts, adding value while respecting their original significance.

What challenges do creators face with public domain works?

Despite being freely accessible, challenges can arise when working with public domain content. These include verifying a work’s public domain status in different countries and ensuring the quality of reproduction or adaptation. Additionally, some works may be publicly accessible but have moral or cultural considerations to keep in mind.

How does the public domain benefit education?

The public domain is invaluable for educators, providing free access to classic literature, iconic art, historical documents, and more. Resources like museum open-access programs from institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Rijksmuseum make it easy to explore high-resolution images of public domain artworks. Additionally, platforms like The Public Domain Review and Project Gutenberg offer a wealth of freely accessible texts, images, and other cultural artifacts. These tools help teachers and students explore cultural heritage, encourage creative thinking, and deepen analytical skills across disciplines.

Have a favorite public domain artist? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let us know which artist or piece inspires you most. Together, let’s celebrate the connections, creativity, and history that the public domain fosters.