The William Morris Hunt Memorial Library

Welcome to the William Morris Hunt Memorial Library, a cornerstone of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 465 Huntington Avenue, this esteemed library is not only a vital resource for art enthusiasts and researchers but also a captivating tourist attraction and museum in its own right.

The William Morris Hunt Memorial Library is part of the comprehensive Museum of Fine Arts Library network, which includes eight curatorial department libraries and the Center for Netherlandish Art Library. Together, these collections boast an impressive array of over 476,303 items, featuring 60,000 auction catalogs and more than 150,000 serials and ephemera. These holdings reflect the museum’s diverse and encyclopedic collections, providing invaluable support for research on the museum’s permanent collections, special exhibitions, and general art history.

Visitors can explore the library’s offerings in the reading room, which is accessible by appointment only. Starting January 2, 2023, appointments are available on Mondays from 10 am to 1 pm, and Thursdays from 1 pm to 4 pm. Please note that a minimum of two weeks' advance notice is required to secure your visit. At this time, we are unable to accept phone inquiries, so we encourage you to submit a Library Appointment Request online.

The library’s extensive holdings are cataloged within the Fenway Libraries Organization, making it an essential resource for scholars and art lovers alike. As you delve into the rich social and architectural history of the MFA, you'll trace its evolution over the past 135 years, from its origins as a repository for armor to its current status as a leading cultural institution.

Stay informed about the latest happenings at the MFA, including exhibitions, programs, special events, and more. We look forward to welcoming you to the William Morris Hunt Memorial Library, where history and art converge in a vibrant and inspiring setting.