Notice: As a result of the National Capital Marathon event on Sunday, May 29, there will be no access to parking at the Gallery until late afternoon.
Please Note: The Library and Archives is open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am – 5 pm. Space in the Library is limited. We recommend you make an appointment by phone (613-714-8949) or by email ([email protected]). Access to the Archives is by appointment only. We are encouraging researchers to continue to wear their masks while visiting the Library and Archives.
The Library is open to the public free of charge. Access to the Library and Archives’ resources and services is reserved for art-related inquiry and research.
Upon arrival at the Library, researchers must register by completing the Application for Use of Research Collections and Services.
A piece of identification with a photo, such as a driver’s licence or student card, is required.
For visitors wishing to expand their research to include works on paper from the Gallery's collection, please visit the Prints, Drawings, and Photographs Study Room webpage.
Reference Service
For reference questions regarding biographical information on a particular artist, an object in the National Gallery of Canada collection, an object that you own or something else contact:
Reference Service
Library and Archives
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 9N4
Telephone: 613-714-8949
[email protected]
Interlibrary Loan Service
Although the Library collection is non-circulating, books are available through interlibrary loan.
Restrictions: Reference works, periodicals, auction catalogues, catalogues raisonnés, audiovisual materials, archives, documentation files, study photographs, fragile and oversize materials, and rare and special collections.
Length of loans: Four weeks, renewable once.
Conditions: The Library lends to other libraries exclusively. Request by email [email protected] only, please. Return borrowed materials in same packaging, by same method (registered mail, courier, etc.). All items FOR USE IN BORROWING LIBRARY ONLY.
Charges
Canadian federal libraries and Canadian museums: no charge
Other Canadian libraries*: $15
International libraries*: $25
*except with mutual reciprocal agreement
Document Delivery Policy:
Photocopy and scanning services:
Canadian federal libraries and Canadian museums: no charge
Other libraries: minimum charge $10
Photographic services: Please inquire for policy, procedures and costs.
Loans requested for exhibition purposes are considered separately. Please inquire for policy, procedures and costs.
The Library’s collections and programs support the requirements of the National Gallery’s library, curatorial, education, conservation and research staff, as well as the work of the scholars of the National Gallery’s Research Fellowships Program.
The Library’s mandate also extends to the national and international scholarly communities, and to a varied clientele of museum professionals, students, artists, journalists, collectors, dealers and the general public.
Although the collections emphasize advanced research, user needs may be supported at the general inquiry level, while public access to Library and Archives’ resources and services is reserved for art-related inquiry and research.
Please ensure that the following regulations are followed during your time at the Library.