Libraries and Archives

The Brooklyn Museum Libraries comprise one of the largest and oldest art museum libraries in the country. Developed to encourage understanding of the Museum’s collections and history, they are particularly strong in the arts of Africa, the Americas, Asia, ancient Egypt, and the Islamic World. The Wilbour Library of Egyptology is an important resource for the study of ancient Egypt. Library Special Collections include a full range of visual and textual documents, from fashion sketches to artist books.

The Brooklyn Museum Archives contain more than 50 collections documenting the history of the Museum from 1823 through the present day. Totaling over 3,200 linear feet of records, these collections include letters, photographs, exhibition catalogues, and ephemera created by employees in all the Museum’s departments, from Audiovisual to Visitor Services.