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Library & Archives

The library and archives promote the exploration of the museum’s collections and the world of art and provide easy access to resources to support research, discovery, and knowledge creation.

Library

Founded alongside the museum in 1876, the library’s comprehensive collection includes more than 285,000 items spanning from the 1400s to today, including rare books, auction and exhibition catalogs, and artists files.


Visiting Info/Alerts

The museum strives to be a safe, enjoyable place for all its guests. For now, the library is open by appointment. Email library@philamuseum.org to schedule an appointment, ask a reference question, or to receive more information about the library. You can also view the service updates page for more information, or check the digital publications via LibGuides.

[object Object]
2525 Pennsylvania Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Directions

Open by appointment only

Hours
  • Monday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, Closed
  • Sunday, Closed

Archives

Our archives capture and preserve the museum’s institutional history since the museum’s founding in 1876 and include the personal papers and manuscript collections of people related to the museum.


Visiting Info/Alerts

The Arcadia Special Collections Reading Room is open by appointment only. Please contact archives@philamuseum.org at least three weeks prior to your desired appointment date.

Please refer to the Using the Archives section below for continuous updates about our access policies and procedures.

Things to Know

The archives collect, organize, and preserve historic records pertaining to the museum and its collection. These materials include:

  • Institutional, departmental, and directors’ records
  • Manuscripts, personal papers, photographs, and scrapbooks
  • Notable collections include the Alexina and Marcel Duchamp Papers, Arensberg Archives, Julien Levy Gallery Records, Fiske Kimball Records, and the Young-Mallin Archive

[object Object]
2525 Pennsylvania Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Directions

Open by appointment only

Hours
  • Monday, Closed
  • Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Friday, Closed
  • Saturday, Closed
  • Sunday, Closed