WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland's Culture Ministry says it is making efforts to preserve for the nation one of Europe's most precious private art collections that includes works by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt.

The ministry said Friday the goal is to ensure the Czartoryski family collection, based in Krakow, southern Poland, receives proper care, and to preserve the artworks "in Poland for future generations."

It did not directly say that it plans to buy the vast collection, which includes da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine" and Rembrandt's "Landscape with the Good Samaritan."

Culture Minister Piotr Glinski has suggested the da Vinci might be sold abroad.

The Czartoryski Foundation had no comment but did not deny the government statement.

Polish media have suggested the foundation lacks sufficient means to keep the collection.