Museum

Thomas J. Watson Library

The Libraries of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

  • Watson Library

    Register here to use the Library.

    For Visitors:
    Tuesday 9:30–5:15
    Wednesday 9:30–5:15
    Thursday 9:30–5:15
    Friday 9:30–6:00
    Saturday 10:00-2:00

    For Museum Staff:
    Monday-Friday 9:00–6:00
    Saturday 10:00-2:00

    Paging ends
    at 3:30pm on weekdays
    at 1:30pm on Saturdays
    See paging times.

    See Access and Hours for more detailed information and Holiday Closings.

  • Nolen Library

    Monday (staff only) 9:00-5:00
    Tuesday-Thursday 9:00-5:00
    (visitors: 9:30-5:00)
    Friday 9:00-6:00
    (visitors: 9:30-6:00)
    Saturday 10:00-6:00
    Sunday 10:00-5:00

    See the Nolen Library page for more detailed information on regular hours and holiday closings.

Filed under: Research

How can I find out if a work of art is currently on view?

Starting Points:

  1. Search the Museum’s Collection Database . Under the description of the work, it will tell you if the work is on view and in which gallery.
  2. When visiting the Museum, check with the Information Desk located in the Great Hall. Provide the Visitor Services representative with as much information as possible, including artist, title, nationality, type of object and approximate date.
  3. Call the Visitor Services Desk with the information about the work listed above at (212) 570-3791.
  4. Visit the Watson or Nolen Library in the Museum and ask the reference librarian.

Be aware that not all of the Museum’s works of art are on view.