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.

Research Questions

Works in The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Learn about a work in the Museum’s collection
Find out if a work of art is currently on view

Art and Artists
Find references or bibliographical citations that refer to a work I am studying
Find out about topics in art history, terminology, techniques, periods, styles, etc.
Research a work of art: step-by-step process
Find biographical information about an artist
Find out where a painting or a particular work of art is located
Determine the value of a work of art

Research Guides
Guides created to accompany classes about Museum resources and online resources

Images, Rights and Reproductions
Find out about rights to reproduce images of Museum objects
Purchase prints, reproductions, etc., of objects in the Museum’s collection
Find illustrations or reproductions of art works

Quick Guides

Getting Started at Watson Library

How to Request Materials from the Museum Libraries

Finding aids (WATSONLINE searches):

Metropolitan Museum of Art collection and exhibition related material (WATSONLINE searches):