Photograph Study Room

With the opening of five new galleries for the permanent display of photographs in the West Building, these works, as well as others from the rapidly growing photography collection, will be on view in temporary exhibitions at the Gallery. Photographs are fragile and subject to deterioration if exposed to light for extended periods, and the greatest part of the collection will be kept in storage. Students and other visitors with a specific interest may take advantage of the Gallery's Photograph Study Room to examine and enjoy these important examples of the art of photography.

The National Gallery's collection of photographs comprises more than 8,000 works spanning the entire history of the medium since its invention in 1839. The Gallery regularly exhibits selections from its holdings as well as loans from other public and private collections. Please consult the Current Exhibitions schedule for information on such shows.

Works on paper not on display may be viewed and studied by appointment in the Gallery's Photograph Study Room by scholars and students in accordance with the Gallery's requirements. Single visitors as well as small groups are welcome. The Study Room is located in the West Building directly adjacent to the permanent exhibition galleries for photography.

Hours
The Study Room is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., except federal holidays.

Further Information
To make an appointment, please telephone (202) 842-6144. Appointments should be made at least two weeks in advance.