Kunstbibliothek: About us

In this special library for art-historical and ethnographic literature as well as related fields of study, approximately 550,000 volumes are available to all who are interested; books can be viewed at the different locations upon request. The holdings profile is closely oriented on the collection profile of the museums of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. The holdings are by and large searchable online and include a host of openly accessible subject-specific electronic resources. First-class databanks relating to specific disciplines allow for further in-depth research.

lesende Frau sitzt zwischen zwei deckenhohen Bücherregalen — Art-historical literature on all artistic genres from antiquity to the present day is openly avail-able in the well-provided open stacks area, which features study areas for individuals and groups. Here, one can do research, study the material or simply leaf through books out of a love of art.

Schilder mit Begriffen, die Bücherreihen trennen — The systematic organization allows for a quick overview and direct access to the relevant stacks. Only the historical collection with publications dating to circa 1900 or earlier is reserved and requires a viewing request in the reading room.

Buchrücken mehrerer Bücher in einem Schrank — In addition to specialist literature, including rare publications and several unica, the rich and diverse holdings of artist monographs and exhibition catalogues form the core of the library.

Further libraries at the Residenzschloss

Numismatic library at the Münzkabinett

A specialized library within a specialized library: The comprehensive holdings on all numis-matic categories – coins, medals, paper money and more – as well as a significant historical collection, comprising works from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries, provide the basis for studying and researching individual numismatic topics and for learning about more than 2600 years of coins, money and thus also art and cultural history.

Book Holdings in the Study Hall of the Kupferstich-Kabinett

Reference works, collection catalogues and artist monographs linking to the collection hold-ings of the Kupferstich-Kabinett serve as aids or research tools for visitors to the study hall who have come to view or study original artworks, which are presented upon request.

eine Landkarte der Insel Borneo — The library locations at the ethnographical museums in Leipzig and Dresden-Klotzsche are characterized by their holdings of literature on extra-European art, culture and social history. The focus of classic ethnology and anthropology is expanded here by the literature of neighbouring disciplines such as history and linguistics.

ein historischer Globus — Collection and exhibition catalogues from ethnological museums around the world complement the library collection. At both locations, extensive historical holdings from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries are maintained, most of which are reports from travels, expeditions and research projects.

Mädchen hält Buch in der Hand — The library location at the ethnographical museum in Herrnhut features a very specialized ethnological collection: publications on the ethnography of the former missionary territories of the Moravian Church.

eine alte Landkarte — The historical collection boasts important scientific work by Herrnhut missionaries on the culture of the ethnic groups in the respective missionary territories. Comfortable and convenient work areas are available to all users at the different locations.

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