Arts Department, Special Collections

With its renowned collection of photographs, prints, drawings, musical scores, paintings, sculpture, archives, books and manuscripts, the Arts Department supports the Boston Public Library as a center of knowledge. Spanning the 15^th century to the present day, our collections offer a view into Boston and a portal to the world beyond its borders. We create opportunities for discovery and exploration of visual and musical materials by ensuring their preservation and providing multiple forms of access to these materials. We uplift current holdings and select new materials that connect to and support the dynamic needs of our users, document the history of our time, and demonstrate the relevance and value of artistic practice in society.

Thank you! We are so grateful you are considering Boston Public Library’s Special Collections as a home for your collection. For nearly two centuries, the collections of the BPL have been bolstered by donations from citizens from Boston and all around the world. The Arts staff will review your potential donation. Please download a copy of this form and follow the instructions.