Art Library
The Library is open to the public Monday-Friday 1:00 to 4:00 p.m, and open for Ringling Members Monday-Friday 10:00-4:00pm.
Established with The Ringling’s opening in 1946, the Art library is one of the largest and most comprehensive art research libraries in the southeastern United States. Located in the Education Center, the collection strengths reflect those of the Museum’s collections and The Ringling experience.
The Reading Room overlooks the scenic grounds of the Museum and provides a comfortable area for reading and research. While the collection does not circulate, the Library is available to the public and the stacks are open for browsing. Some materials are available to university students through Interlibrary Loan.
Collection Highlights
- Total holdings of 70,000 items
- Specialized art databases, including auction-results databases, and access to FSU 600+ databases
- Books and other materials spanning the history of art and architecture
- Extensive holdings in the areas of European Art, especially Renaissance and Baroque; the circus; Studio Glass; museum studies, collectors and collecting; and Asian Art
- The personal library of John and Mable Ringling
- A collection of rare books from the 16th century to the present
- Auction catalogues from the 1930s to the present
- Juvenile literature about art
- An Artists’ File of contemporary artists
- More than 100 journal/magazine subscriptions
Research Guides
These guides are organized by topic and provides an excellent starting places for many research projects.
Research GuidesLibrary Catalog
The Art Library collection is searchable through the FSU Libraries Catalog. This search includes books, journals, music, movies and more...
Search the CatalogLiterati Book Club
The Literati Book Club is a group that discusses books about art and all subjects related to The Ringling. The program is free and registration is not required. Literati meets monthly from September to May.
Learn moreAsk a Librarian
We are available to assist with your art history research! Ask a Librarian by submitting this questionnaire.
Ask a QuestionE-Book Collection
This site provides full text publications including highlights from John Ringling’s personal library, Ringling Museum publications, exhibition guides and catalogs, as well as newsletters, reports & symposia.
View E-Book CollectionArt Discovery Group Catalogue
This Catalogue is an aggregation of catalogs from 100 of the finest art libraries in sixteen countries. It provides a vast collection of bibliographic records and is a comprehensive information and research source.
Learn moreDigital Image Collection
View thousands of images from the Special Collections of the Ringling Art Library. High-resolution Images of John Ringling's personal library, rare Circus books, and others will give you a glimpse into our rare vault.
View Digital ImagesLibrary FAQ's
When is the Library open? What services do you offer? What can I research while there? Check out our security policy, what we can assist you with, and what we are all about.
Learn more about Art Library Hours and Policies