Library

The Frances Mulhall Achilles Library at the Whitney Museum of American Art contains a comprehensive research collection in the field of twentieth-century and contemporary American art. It was originally built on the foundation of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney’s personal collection of books and papers.  A non-circulating reference collection of over 50,000 books and exhibition catalogues, the Library’s holdings include the Special Collections, more than 500 current periodical titles, 450 linear feet of vertical files, and 2,500 linear feet of historical records in the Museum Archives.

The Library is open daily to Museum staff. Limited Library access is available to Whitney Museum members, visiting art historians, PhD candidates, graduate students, gallery staff, and other high level researchers interested in the Museum, its history, exhibitions, permanent collections and artists. Visit WhitneyCat, the Library’s online catalogue, to search records of our print and nonprint items.

Researchers may schedule an appointment by calling (212) 570-3648 or emailing a brief request to library@whitney.org.