Research
Delve deeper into the Brooklyn Museum and its sweeping collection by perusing extensive resources for researchers. Also discover the Museum’s integral commitment to scholarship through its work on conservation, publications, provenance, and much more.
Collection online
Discover a wealth of information about many works in the Brooklyn Museum’s rich holdings. Need an image? Visit the image services page.
Libraries and Archives
The Libraries and Archives provide research resources about the Brooklyn Museum—its history, objects, and exhibitions—as well as general art and cultural history, from antiquity to the present. Staff are here to help local and international scholars and researchers find answers to their questions. The Libraries and Archives are also dedicated to promoting equity by expanding access to the Museum’s historical narrative.
The 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.
Wednesdays and Thursdays
1–4 pm
Appointments
Wednesdays and Thursdays Open by appointment, 2nd floor | 1–4 pm |
Appointments |
Libraries online
Search books, journals, images, and databases.
Archives online
Browse through finding aids.
If you have questions about these resources, contact the Libraries and Archives:
Libraries collections: library@brooklynmuseum.org
Archives collections: archives.research@brooklynmuseum.org
Conservation
The Brooklyn Museum is proud to have been one of the first U.S. art museums to institute an in-house conservation department. Starting with paintings conservators, the Conservation Lab has expanded to include specialties in paper, photography, objects, and even time-based media conservation. It now serves as a teaching lab training future conservators around the world.
- Story
What’s the Weirdest Work You’ve Ever Conserved?
By: Lisa BrunoIntroducing a new column that demystifies the work of museum conservators.
- Story
How Do You Become a Conservator?
By: Celeste Mahoney“People from all types of backgrounds find themselves drawn to this unique career path.”
- Story
How Do You Handle Sensitive Materials?
By: Kate Wight TylerFrom building microclimates to considering cultural backgrounds, here are a few ways conservators work to protect artworks.
Publications
Brooklyn Museum Publications produces meaningful and important books that speak to the Museum’s mission, vision, and values as a local and a global institution. These daring and trailblazing publications create a lasting legacy of the Museum’s scholarship, exhibitions, and collections.See all exhibition catalogues currently available in the Shop.
Digital resources
Find detailed information about the Museum’s encyclopedic collection and 200 years of history.
