HISTORIC Bretton Hall has been bought by Wakefield Council.
The authority says the move will protect the future of the neighbouring Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
The council agreed to buy the West Bretton mansion from Leeds University, which is moving out next year.
Council leaders said the deal would protect the future of the sculpture park by ensuring the building was not used for something that would conflict with it.
Clr Phil Dobson, the council's deputy leader, said: "This is an extremely important building and directly impacts on the future of the sculpture park.
"By agreeing the purchase with the university we will keep Bretton Hall in public ownership.
"We have moved swiftly to secure a valuable asset for the district.
"Now its future ownership is secured we can use the building and grounds in an appropriate way."
Leeds University's Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof Alan Pearman, said: "We're delighted that Bretton Hall will be in public ownership. It's great news."
The hall has been in use as an education college since 1949.
Its students are moving out to a new £1.5m arts building in Leeds.
