Thomas J. Watson Library
Watson Library is the central research library of The Met. With more than one million volumes, it is among the world’s most comprehensive art libraries.
Using the Library
The library is open to visiting researchers, age 18 and above, with no appointment required. All materials are consulted on site and do not circulate. Please review our visitor guidelines in advance of your first visit.
Finding Us
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Library Exhibitions
Digital Collections
Digitized publications from the Museum's Libraries and Archives, including the majority of publications from 1869–1993 and a growing number of later titles.
Rare and important works held in the Thomas J. Watson Library and other curatorial department libraries at The Met.
Digitized catalogs from the 17th to the 20th century, primarily from American and European auction houses.
The Brummer Gallery Records, photographic albums, and finding aids to archival collections held in The Cloisters Library and Archives.
Ephemeral and archival collections from The Costume Institute and its Irene Lewisohn Costume Reference Library.
Photographs of Watson Library’s growing collections of decorated bindings.
Research Guides
Watson Library offers downloadable guides to support researchers working with our collections.
Resources for Librarians
About Us
The primary mission of Watson Library is to support the research of the Museum staff. In addition, the library serves an international community of scholars, including museum, academic, and art professionals, as well as college and graduate students.
The library’s collections reflect the global and encyclopedic nature of The Met, with books ranging in date from the late 15th century to current scholarship, in all fields covered by The Met. Last year the library added more than 15,000 titles in 67 languages. View the Library’s Dashboard for more about the library’s collections, activities, and services.
The Sherman Fairchild Center for Book Conservation is responsible for the long-term preservation and conservation of Watson’s collection and other Met libraries, and for books and related material from curatorial departments.
Library Blog: In Circulation
New resources on The Met’s website for cataloguing, library software, and MARC record sets.
William Blueher
October 21
A striking and technically complex illustrated book depicting moths and butterflies.
Clare Manias
September 23
Watson Library has reopened to the public with a redesigned Nolen Study Room and Circulation Desk area.
Mirabelle Cohen
August 19
Looking for the Museum Archives?
The Met Archives collects, organizes, and preserves official records of the Museum, makes the collection accessible, provides research support, and furthers the understanding of the Museum’s history.
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