Dumbarton Oaks

About the Collection

The Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection contains resources about Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian studies. The main users of the library are the fellows and staff of Dumbarton Oaks. Located in Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks is administered by the Trustees for Harvard University, and is particularly known for its historic gardens and rich collections. The library has a collection of artists’ books and fine press works. Artists well-represented in this collection include Ian Hamilton Finlay, Thomas A. Clark, Simon Cutts, and Erica Van Horn.

Finding Artists’ Books

To find Dumbarton Oaks Research Library materials, use the Harvard Library HOLLIS catalog. Using the advanced search page, search the catalog for keyword “artists’ books” with quotation marks, and select “Dumbarton Oaks” under location.

How to Get There

1703 32nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

The Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection is located at 1703 32nd Street NW. It is near the 31, 32, 36, D1, D2, D3, D6, and G2 bus routes, as well as the Georgetown Circulator. The nearest Metro station is the Dupont Circle stop, about a mile away.

What to Expect

Artists’ books are part of the Rare Book Collection at Dumbarton Oaks. The collection can be accessed Monday through Friday from 9:30 am–12:30 pm and 1:30–4:30 pm.  You need to schedule an appointment to research these works by contacting or 202-339-6462. Since the collection primarily serves the fellows and staff of the institute, access to the library is limited. Readers must be accomplished scholars and apply for a reader card. More information about the Dumbarton Oaks access policy can be found here.

Other Resources

Dumbarton Oaks Library