Archives, Libraries and Special Collections
The Foundation's archives, libraries, and special collections are temporarily closed. The Art Library, which will be located in the new Philadelphia location, will reopen to the public in May 2012. The archives, special collections, and Horticulture Library will remain in Merion, accessible by appointment, with a tentative reopening date of late summer 2012.
Art Library
The Art Library supports the educational, philosophical, and aesthetic principles of the Barnes Foundation. Its collection includes over 4,000 books, periodicals, and other resources on art, art history, visual literacy, conservation, art education, and more. Learn more
Horticulture Library
Home to hundreds of books and guides relevant to the Foundation’s living collections and its horticultural programs, our Horticulture Library is located at our Merion campus. Learn more
Archives and Special Collections
For documents related to the Foundation's history, correspondence from significant figures in our institution's history, and rare books, pamphlets, and exhibition catalogues, visit our archives and special collections located in Merion. Learn more