Libraries and Archives

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.

Starting on January 2, 2023, 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 Us

libstaff@mfa.org