Elmer Belt Library of Vinciana, Leonardo da Vinci research library at University of California, Los Angeles, United States.
The Elmer Belt Library is a specialized collection at UCLA focused on Leonardo da Vinci, housing roughly 60 rare early printed books and numerous 15th-century treatises on architecture. The materials document Leonardo's research and contribute to our understanding of his wide-ranging interests.
Urologist Elmer Belt donated his private collection to UCLA between 1961 and 1966, creating this important research resource. The collection was integrated into UCLA Library's Special Collections in 2002 and is now housed in the Dickson Art Center.
The collection features rare manuscripts and early printed works that reflect Leonardo da Vinci's thinking and methods. Visitors can encounter direct evidence of his family here, including handwritten contracts and the first printed mentions of his name.
The collection is accessible through UCLA Library's Special Collections and follows standard rules for accessing special materials. Potential visitors should check the opening hours and visiting guidelines beforehand, as advance appointments are often required for special collections.
Art historian Carlo Pedretti joined UCLA in 1960 and through his research and publications transformed the collection into an internationally recognized academic center. His work helped establish the library's reputation as a leading resource for Leonardo scholarship.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
