Kunstbibliothek

– © SMB, Saturia Linke

The art library, specific to the study of art, with its close to 400,000 volumes, is one of the most important art libraries in Germany; it presents both drawings and printed works from the applied arts, and has at one's disposal an extensive photographic collection.

To the art library’s articles belong the collection of drawings, ornamental prints collection, the Lipperheide costume library, the collection of posters and advertisements, collection of graphic design, the book design collection, and photographic collection. All collection articles can be viewed in the reading hall. Beyond that, special exhibitions are shown on a regular basis.