Archives and Special Collections

Photograph of woman seated at table with laptop and archival material surrounding her

The Archives and Special Collections provide a veritable treasure trove of research resources. They contain rare and unique materials that document the history and development of the visual arts, both nationally and internationally.

Types of material include ephemera (exhibition catalogues and invitations), notebooks, draft works of art, sketchbooks, samples (textiles), multimedia (photographs, slides, transparencies), diaries and administrative documents (meeting minutes, plans, agendas).

You can search for materials of interest by using our online catalogue, or browse the alphabetical Art & Artists Archives. To consult the collections, you will need to book an appointment to visit the Research Library. Find out more about how to plan your Library visit.

Discover more

Related

Artist Recordings

Overview of the Gallery space with three women being interviewed.

The Archive

Two men looking at art work on a wall

Special Collections

Photograph of ephemera spread on desk

Research Library & Archives

Photograph of building exterior with blue sky and wire sphere sculpture

Art & Artists Archives

Photograph of people sitting and standing in library space

From the Archives: A history of the NGA in posters — Part I

A poster reading "come see the best show in town - only $2 The Australian National Gallery"