Libraries and Archives

Visitors reading in a library space with tall bookshelves along back wall; two seated at large table; one standing by bookshelves
Visitors reading in a library space with tall bookshelves along back wall; two seated at large table; one standing by bookshelves

The Museum of Fine Arts Library comprises the William Morris Hunt Memorial Library, eight curatorial department libraries, and the Center for Netherlandish Art Library. The combined library holdings total more than 476,303 items, including 60,000 auction catalogs and over 150,000 serials and ephemera. The library collection reflects the strength of the Museum’s encyclopedic collections and supports research on the Museum’s permanent collections, special exhibitions, and general art history.

Founded in 1987, the Museum Archives contain historically significant records from the Museum’s administrative and curatorial departments since the Museum’s founding in 1870. For more information, please contact the Museum Archives directly at 617-369-3378.

Visiting the Library

The reading room at the MFA’s William Morris Hunt Memorial Library is open by appointment only. Please submit a Library Appointment Request to make an appointment.

Appointment hours are offered on Mondays 10 am–1 pm, and Thursdays 1 pm–4 pm. Minimum 2 weeks advance notice is required.

Request an Appointment

Please also note that phone inquires are not accepted at this time. Please check back for further notice.

Resources

The library’s holdings are reflected in the Fenway Libraries Organization catalog.

Contact

Please complete this form to contact the library. Note that phone calls are not accepted at this time.

To make a research appointment, please fill out the Request an Appointment form instead.

Please describe your inquiry in detail.

Please allow up to five business days for a response to your inquiry.

The library can provide scans of materials in its collection. Please note the following:

  • Scan requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering material availability and condition, location, and staff availability
  • All scans provided by the library are for private research purposes only and are subject to US copyright law and fair use guidelines
  • Images are low resolution (up to 200 dpi) for a limited number of pages
  • Processing time is up to 10 business days
  • Scan requests submitted through other channels are no longer reviewed

Related Publications

Invitation to Art
A History of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

This social and architectural history traces the first 135 years of the MFA, from its beginning as a repository for armor to its current status as a...