Thomas J. Watson Library, Art research library at Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, United States.
The Thomas J. Watson Library is an art research library inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, holding one of the largest collections of art history publications in the United States. Its holdings range from early printed books to current exhibition catalogs, covering art from all periods and regions of the world.
The library was founded in 1870 alongside the Metropolitan Museum of Art and grew steadily through gifts and purchases over the following decades. During the 20th century it moved into a purpose-built reading room within the museum's main building, designed by the firm McKim, Mead & White.
The library takes its name from Thomas J. Watson, the founder of IBM, whose family made a major gift to support it. Inside the reading rooms, researchers from many countries sit side by side, often working with books in dozens of languages at the same table.
Access is limited to researchers and professionals, so registration in advance is required before your visit. It is worth checking the museum's website beforehand to find out what documents you need to bring when you sign up.
The library holds one of the largest collections of auction catalogs in the world, many of which cannot be found anywhere else. These catalogs are a key resource for anyone studying the history of collecting and the art market.
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