A woman carrying a framed picture in Mia’s library.

Library and Study Rooms

Discover artist catalogues raisonnés, special collections, and rare books in Mia’s Library. See original artworks not on view in the galleries, from prints and drawings to photography, by making an appointment to visit Mia’s Study Rooms.

Art Research & Reference Library

Established with the museum’s opening in 1915, Mia’s Art Research & Reference Library is one of the Midwest’s premiere research centers dedicated to the study of art. The library’s holdings provide special collection and rare printed materials as well as digitized texts/images and online research tools. Spanning the world’s history of art, the library’s remarkable collection of more than 60,000 volumes continues to grow.

Begin by searching the Library Catalogue. There are also hundreds of uncatalogued items embedded in the library.

The library is temporarily closed to the public.

Consider supporting the Library by joining the Library Affinity Group.

Print Study Room

The Herschel V. Jones Print Study Room offers individuals and groups the opportunity to examine up close the exceptional collection of the Department of Prints and Drawings. These works of art on paper include woodcuts, engravings, etchings, lithographs, screenprints, drawings, watercolors, and artist’s books.

Please email Lori Williamson, Collection Care Specialist, at lwilliamson@artsmia.org or call 612.870.3105 for more information.

Photographs Study Room

The Photographs Study Room is a resource for individuals, groups and classes in which to view photographs from Mia’s permanent collection.

Appointments for the Photographs Study Room are temporarily unavailable.

Please email Joe Doherty, Collection Care Specialist, at jdoherty@artsmia.org for more information.

Scheduling  
Appointments may be scheduled online and at least two weeks in advance. We require 48-hour notice for cancellations. Appointments can scheduled for one hour maximum. Appointments can be made through the online appointment form here.

What can I bring with me into the study room?
·      You must bring your own pencil and paper for note taking.
·      No food or drink
·      No pens
·      No backpacks, bags, or coats

*table space may be limited depending on the group size and amount of artwork

Can I take photos of the artwork? 
Yes, photographs may be taken for research purposes with your phone. Alternatively, you can ask the supervising staff for an image of the artwork on view and we can send you a hi-res image by email.

Do I need to make an appointment to visit the Photographs Study Room?
Yes, appointments need to be made two weeks in advance through our online appointment form.