Library + Archives

The SFMOMA Research Library and Archives will be temporarily closed to external researchers due to the upcoming expansion of our building.

The Archives will be closed to external researchers beginning December 15, 2012 through early 2016.

The Research Library will be closed to external researchers beginning February 1, 2013 through early 2016.

SFMOMA will present a dynamic range of off-site exhibitions and programs while the expansion is under way, but we regret that the SFMOMA Library and Archives will not be able to provide on-site or remote research access to its holdings during this time.

Overview

Woman reading in library
 
View of archives
 

The SFMOMA Research Library was established in 1935 with the aim of advancing scholarship in modern and contemporary art. Its holdings reflect the collecting, exhibiting, and educational activities of the museum itself, with particular strengths in photography, art, architecture, design, and media arts.

The library also houses the SFMOMA Archives, the repository for the museum's institutional records dating back to its founding. The archives include records from the Office of the Director, photographs documenting select exhibitions and events, and exhibition records.

Hours

The library is open to researchers by appointment through January 31, 2013. We will be closed to external researchers from February 1, 2013 through early 2016. To reserve a time before February 1, contact us at 415.357.4120. Admission to the library is always free (but you'll need to buy a ticket if you decide to visit our galleries).

Days Times
Sunday - Monday Closed
Tuesday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (by appointment only)

Library Collections

The following collections are available for consultation at our library:

Collection Description
Books 60,000+ monographs, catalogues raisonnés, exhibition catalogues, artists' books, and more
Periodicals 1,890+ magazines, annuals, museum bulletins, and annual reports
Artists' files 45,000+ files containing ephemera such as exhibition announcements, résumés, and press releases
The Sydney Tillim Collection 1,100 volumes focusing on photomechanical reproduction processes from the late 1830s to 1970s
The Skowhegan Lecture Archive 500+ talks on 700+ compact discs documenting an ongoing lecture series at Skowhegan begun in 1952

Access and Policies

In order to preserve our materials and make your visit as productive as possible, we request that you observe a few rules when visiting the library. Thanks in advance for your understanding.

When you arrive for your appointment, please enter the museum by the Minna Street entrance and check in at the guard station. Coats, packages, briefcases, book bags, oversize handbags, and personal books must be checked at the coat check in the Haas Atrium. Laptops are welcome in the public reading room, but unfortunately we are unable to offer wireless access. (Free wireless access is available, however, in our atrium, restaurant, and coffee bar.)

Please refrain from bringing food or beverages into the library, and use pencils (not pens) in the public reading room.

All library materials are noncirculating and may be used by visiting researchers in the public reading room. Because SFMOMA staff are permitted to sign out books to their offices, some items may be temporarily inaccessible. If you are looking for a particular volume, we invite you to contact us to confirm its availability before visiting in person.

A black-and-white photocopier is available for use in the reference room ($0.10 per page). Note that we may have to restrict copying of some items due to their size or fragile condition.