Kunstbibliothek Berlin

The Kunstbibliothek Berlin is a research library and museum dedicated to European art history, holding around 400,000 volumes and related materials. Its collections combine printed books with drawings, prints, photographs, and design sketches that serve researchers studying art and visual culture.

Founded in 1867, this library became one of Germany's leading institutions for art research and scholarship. It joined the network of Berlin's state museums and expanded its focus to include design, graphics, and modern visual materials.

The collections reveal how people worked with design, fashion, and advertising across different periods. You can see through the artworks and materials how creativity shaped daily visual culture.

Before visiting, check current hours and access policies since this is primarily a research-focused space rather than a casual browsing location. First-time visitors may find it helpful to plan their visit with a specific interest in mind or join a guided tour for orientation.

The collection includes subscriptions to over 1,400 international art journals that keep the research materials constantly updated. This extensive periodical section makes it stand out as a vital resource for tracking current conversations in the art world.

Location: Mitte

Location: Berlin

Inception: 1867

Part of: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin

Address: Matthäikirchplatz 6, 10785 Berlin

Website: http://ifskb.de

GPS coordinates: 52.50861,13.36666

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:40