Washington, DC—The National Gallery of Art announced today the launch of its first online archives catalog, expanding public access to the museum’s archival records. Users are now able to digitally search and explore more than 86,000 resources documenting the National Gallery’s history and activities since its founding in 1937.

Archival records include historical correspondence, photographs, printed material, and audio and visual recordings related to the museum’s past and institutional development. Highlights include oral history interviews with leadership, staff, and others from throughout the museum’s history, exhibition installation images, checklists, and brochures, press releases, and files relating to works of art commissioned for the opening of the East Building in 1978. With more than 45 archival collections, the resources also include the papers of National Gallery donors, collectors, and staff, including Chester and Maud Dale, John Rewald, Lessing J. Rosenwald, and Dorothy and Herbert Vogel; the World War II papers of nine Monuments Officers; and the records of the Index of American Design.

Researchers and the general public will now be able to directly search the National Gallery’s archival records. Museum archivists are then available to assist them in exploring the collection and to share digital versions of the records anywhere in the world. Researchers will continue to have the option to make an appointment and view materials of interest in person. In the future, direct access to digital archival materials will be available through the catalog.  

“The heightened public availability of the National Gallery’s archival resources furthers our work to increase access to art and inspire creativity,” said Michele Willens, the National Gallery’s chief of archives. “Our archives serve as our institutional memory and allow us to understand the history and evolution of our institution. As the nation’s art museum, we are proud to now share these materials with audiences around the country, including those who may never be able to visit us in Washington.”

About the National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Nearly four million people come through its doors each year—with millions more online—making it one of the most visited art museums in the world. The National Gallery's renowned collection includes nearly 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today. Admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free.