Construction Alert: Construction nearby during the 2025–2026 academic year may cause noise and occasional disruptions to hours or services. Email falibref@fas.harvard.edu with questions.
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.
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.
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.
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CollectionAga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture
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CollectionRübel Asiatic Research Collection
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CollectionDigital Images and Slides Collection
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CollectionPrint and Photograph Collections
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CollectionArtists' 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
Our staff can work with you to identify materials, design class sessions, and support hands-on engagement with our special collection materials. We also offer scans and digitization of our materials for teaching purposes.
Exhibitions
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.