National Gallery of Art Archives makes historical records and associated donated papers available for research use as soon as, and to the fullest extent, possible. We also recognize that certain materials must temporarily remain closed to protect the privacy of individuals or the legitimate needs of the National Gallery of Art, in accordance with institutional policy or donor restrictions.
We are committed to making unrestricted materials accessible to all researchers on a fair and equitable basis. Materials that must be restricted temporarily, in accordance with institutional policy or donor restrictions, will be reviewed regularly and made available for research as soon as any restrictions are lifted.
Researchers may view only those materials that have been processed and prepared for use by archives staff and for which there are finding aids available.
All requests for access should be sent via email ([email protected]) providing as much information as possible about the subject and purpose of the research, indicating the collections to be consulted, and describing the intended use of archival materials. Archives staff will respond to confirm available sources and to provide guidance on related materials of interest.
We are committed to making information about our collections and their content available to researchers unable to visit in person. General inquiries concerning the nature and scope of records held in the archives, and those requiring limited research into the content of records are typically answered within five working days.
We are open to researchers by appointment only (Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), except federal holidays. We request a two-week advance notice for all scheduled appointments. All visiting researchers will be required to complete a registration form and review the research room rules.
Researchers may request reproduction of archival materials for study purposes. We will provide details on request. Please note that obtaining reproductions of archival materials is not authorization to publish.
Written permission must be obtained separately in advance from the National Gallery of Art Archives to reproduce archival materials for publication purposes. In giving permission to reproduce archival materials, the National Gallery does not surrender its own rights to publish the materials or to grant permission to others to publish them; nor does it assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or of publication rights in the material.
The National Gallery of Art may not be the owner of copyright or other literary property in archival materials. Archives staff will provide available information about copyright status. However, the researcher is responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions to publish or use from the holder of the copyright.
Published citations must give the source of the documents as National Gallery of Art Archives. Scholarly publications must also include the collection and series titles from which the documents are drawn. Examples of the preferred form for citations will be provided on request.
