The Ryerson and Burnham Libraries constitute a major art and architecture research collection serving the museum and the public in the fields of art and architectural history.
LOCATION AND PUBLIC HOURS
The Franke Reading Room will be closed to external (non-staff) users from Monday, December 25, 2023 through Friday, January 5th, 2024. We will reopen for public appointments on Monday, January 8th.
The Art Institute’s Research Center brings together the divisions of Academic Engagement and Research, the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries, and the Art Institute of Chicago Archives to expand access to the museum’s research resources.
The Research Center’s Franke Reading Room is a shared space in which researchers can consult the collections of the Libraries and Archives. The reading room is located just south of the Grand Staircase inside the Michigan Avenue entrance to the museum.
PUBLIC RESEARCH HOURS
Archival research appointments are available Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays,1:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Request an appointment using this form.
Library research appointments are available Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays,1:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Request an appointment using this form.
Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be confirmed within two business days.
Researchers must complete a pre-registration process and submit requests for materials prior to the appointment.
Researchers agree to follow the museum’s visit guidelines in addition to established reading room policies.
MUSEUM STAFF RESEARCH HOURS
Access procedures for museum staff are available here.
SAIC STUDENTS AND FACULTY
Access procedures for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago community are available here.
Learn more about research appointments in the Franke Reading Room.
Search the Online Catalog
CONNECT WITH US
You can learn more about the Ryerson & Burnham Libraries and our collections on our social media accounts:
