Fine Arts Library | Harvard Library
Fine Arts Library
Harvard’s primary collection and resource of global materials for the study of the history of art and architecture and related disciplines.
Today's Hours
View all
General
9am - 8pm
Special Collections
By Appointment
Digital Images and Slides Collection (DISC)
By Appointment
Research at Fine Arts
The Fine Arts Library supports research in the history of art, architecture, and visual culture, serving the Harvard community while welcoming researchers and scholars from around the world. Explore our research guides below or contact our research librarians for assistance.
Ask a Librarian
Book a Research Consultation
History of Art & Architecture Research Guide
(link is external, opens in a new tab)
Islamic Art & Architecture Research Guide
(link is external, opens in a new tab)
East Asian Art Research Guide
(link is external, opens in a new tab)
Contemporary Art Research Guide
(link is external, opens in a new tab)
Medieval Art & Architecture Research Guide
(link is external, opens in a new tab)
Photography Research Guide
(link is external, opens in a new tab)
Artists’ Books Research Guide
(link is external, opens in a new tab)
Stephen Lee Taller Ben Shahn Archive Research Guide
(link is external, opens in a new tab)
Index to Ming Dynasty Chinese Paintings
(link is external, opens in a new tab)
Research with Our Special Collections
The Fine Arts Library welcomes all researchers interested in working with our special collections. Materials should be requested 2–4 days in advance, and reservations are required to view materials in our Special Collections Study Room.
Learn more about
how to research with special collections
and feel free to contact us at
falibref@fas.harvard.edu
to confirm availability ahead of your visit.
Make a Special Collections Appointment
Collection Highlights
The Fine Arts Library’s strengths include Western, Islamicate, East Asian, and Indian Art across a variety of formats, including monographs, exhibition catalogs, serials, reference, facsimiles and scrolls, artists’ books, magazines, photobooks, microfilm, antiquarian and rare books, auction catalogs, prints and print portfolios, photographs, and rubbings.
Explore More Fine Arts Collections
Collection
Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture
Collection
Rübel Asiatic Research Collection
Collection
Digital Images and Slides Collection
Collection
Print and Photograph Collections
Collection
Facsimiles of Illuminated Manuscripts and East Asian Painting Scrolls
Collection
Artists' Books Collection
Space at Fine Arts
Reading Room
The Fine Arts Library Reading Room is an open, light-filled space located on the main level of the library.
Study Carrels
The Fine Arts Library has a limited number of carrels located in the book stacks that you can apply to reserve for the academic year.
Special Collections Study Room
For viewing our special collection materials, which do not circulate outside the library. Appointments are required.
Teach with Fine Arts
General Teaching Support
Teaching with Special Collections
Digitization for Teaching
Woven Worlds
The Contemporary Tradition of Storytelling through Weaving
Through
Sunday, May 31, 2026
Reading Room
Fine Arts Library
Calling for Action: Books for Earth Month!
Through
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Reading Room
Fine Arts Library
Digital Exhibit: Picturing the Sultan
(link is external, opens in a new tab)
About the Fine Arts Library
The Fine Arts Library is the primary resource for the study of the history of art and architecture and related subjects at Harvard University. Since the founding of the Fogg Art Museum in 1895, the library has served the needs of teaching faculty, art museum staff, undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and historians.
Learn More About the Fine Arts Library
Access
The Fine Arts Library is open to all Harvard ID holders.
Non-Harvard ID holders interested in our general collections
can apply for access
Special collections are open to all
by appointment
. Materials must be requested in advance of your visit.
Location
Littauer Center
1805 Cambridge Street
Cambridge
MA
02138
United States
Directions
Building Accessibility
Connect
General
falibcir@fas.harvard.edu
617-495-3374
Staff Profiles
Ask a Librarian
Tumblr
Blog