The Warren M. Robbins Library at the National Museum of African Art, founded in 1971, is the major resource center in the United States for the research and study of the visual arts of Africa. Its collection of more than 50,000 volumes covers all aspects of African visual arts, including sculpture, painting, printmaking, pottery, textiles, crafts, popular culture, photography, architecture, rock art, and archaeology. The African Art Library has significant supporting collections of African ethnography, musicology, performing arts, theater, cinema, oral traditions, religion, creative writing, and arts in the African Diaspora as well as general information on the history of African countries. The African Art Library has 4,900 files on contemporary African art and artists and a growing collection of African artists’ books.
Support the Library
You can support the library, and the research done in the National Museum of African Art, by donating online or by helping us acquire publications through our Amazon Wish List. Thank You!
Volunteer & Intern Opportunities
The African Art Library offers opportunities to volunteer a few hours a week. Training is provided. Internships for college students in library science, African art history, and museum studies are also available. To inquire about volunteering and internships, call (202) 633-4681.
Location
National Museum of African Art, Room 2138950 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C.
Telephone: 202.633-4680
Email: AskaLibrarian@si.edu
Postal Address
Warren M. Robbins LibraryNational Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution
MRC 708 P.O. Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012
Hours of Operation
Monday, Tuesday
10:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday
10:00-5:00pm
Closed Wednesday and Friday’s
Library is open by appointment only. Call: 202.633.4680
Contact and Staff Information
Karen Brown, Library Assistant
Telephone: 202.633.4682
Email: brownkf@si.edu
