Researching Art Objects

The information you gather at the museum is crucial to your research. This is your first-hand encounter with the object. Experience the object and familiarize yourself with it.

Step 1: Photograph your object. From ALL angles.

• This will make writing about the object much easier.
• This will make locating the object in other resources easier.
• You CANNOT rely on your memory.
• NOTE: Please respect each museum's photography policy. Policies differ from museum to museum.

Step 2: Write down (photograph) the wall text, including the accession number.

• This is the most important information you can gather at the museum.
• This text will provide your search terms when you look for books and articles on your object.
• You CANNOT rely on your memory.

Step 3: Write down (photograph) other relevant wall text in the gallery.

• This text will provide you with more search terms when you look for books and articles on your object.
• This will contextualize your work.
• You CANNOT rely on your memory.

Step 4: Visit the Museum Library.

• Museum libraries collect materials specifically related to their objects. 
• Museum librarians know the objects and the research materials about the objects better than you do. 
• Most museum libraries are open to college researchers. 
  • Please view the library's policies on guest researchers.
  • The Philadelphia Museum of Art library accespts college researchers and wants to help you with your projects.
  • Email the PMA library < library@philamuseum.org > about your object and schedule an appointment to visit the library.