On Monday, the Museum of Modern Art in New York declared that it has added the @ symbol to its architecture and design collection, referring to its "design power".

According to the museum, the @ symbol, presently used on a daily basis by millions across the globe in email addresses, text messages and on twitter.com, is ancient, perhaps dating back to the sixth century.

Since the symbol is not a tangible thing but an abstract thought, it has altered its meaning several times in the way of its existence.

Naming it a "design act", the museum celebrated the @ sign's multiple meanings, right from representing a dog for Russians and a cat to Finns, to becoming omnipresent in email exchanges.

Paola Antonelli, Senior Curator of the Department of Architecture and Design, posted on a blog, "The @ symbol is now part of the very fabric of life all over the world".

By adding the symbol to its collection, the museum called the move an attainment, but the museum does not obtain ownership of the symbol that remains in the public territory.

Antonelli rejoicing in the achievement, said, "It is a momentous, elating acquisition that makes us all proud", since it proves that "physical possession of an object as a requirement for an acquisition is no longer necessary".