The Mary R. Schiff Library & Archives

Open by appointment only

Thursday–Friday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

If you would like to make an appointment to visit the library, email [email protected]. Please provide as many details as possible about the information you are trying to find or the resources you would like to use. Also include the date and time you would like to visit, and we will do our best to accommodate your request. You can also call us on 513-639-2978.

The Mary R. Schiff Library is located on the third floor of the Longworth Wing (the former Art Academy building). Direct access to the library is via the Castellini entrance (in front of the Pinocchio sculpture); from there take the elevator up to the library. Please be advised that a separate reservation is needed to visit museums’ galleries at this time.

For the safety of all patrons, visitors will have their temperature taken on arrival and it is requested that masks are worn. Also, the library’s shelves are not available to browse at present; books and other resources must be requested from the reference librarian. All materials are quarantined for 72 hours after use.

View the Online Catalog

(Select Location: Cincinnati Art Museum Library)

Please note that all materials are for use in the library only and may not be checked out.

Founded in 1881, the Mary R. Schiff Library has an extensive collection of over 100,000 items spanning 6,000 years of human artistic creativity, including decorative arts, fashion, and photography. The collection includes books, reference resources, periodicals, ephemera files, auction catalogs and online databases. The library also has a unique assortment of materials on Cincinnati art and artists. Library staff are happy to help if you’re looking for information on artists in the museum’s collection or in your own collection.

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Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (513) 639-2978