Watson Library Museum

Thomas J. Watson Library

The Libraries of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Filed under: Met Libraries

The Onassis Library for Hellenic and Roman Art

Department of Greek and Roman Art

The Onassis Library is a non-circulating research facility housing 12,000 volumes for the study of Greek and Roman Art. The collection specializes in early archaeological literature, exhibition and auction catalogs, sculpture, and vase painting. Included are rare books, photographs, and extensive archival holdings; among them, the Gisela M.A. Richter Archives, the Kelekian Archives and the Piero Tozzi Archives.

The collection began in 1909 when the Classical Department was established. It has been developed by the generosity of curators, colleagues, and the department’s Philodoroi friends group. A 1996 gift from the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation permitted the Museum to transform the collection of books into a library.

Hours and Access
Available to Museum staff, graduate students, and qualified researchers by appointment only. Visitors consult the Thomas J. Watson Library before requesting an appointment.

Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Telephone: (212) 650-2335
Fax: (212) 570-3987