Established in 1936, the library's collection of over 120,000 volumes includes books, periodicals, artist files, and sales catalogues, and reflects the collecting areas of the DMA. By collecting and providing access to specialized materials, the library is an important community resource for art history and object-based research. The library is open to DMA staff and volunteers, visiting researchers, and the general public.
Museum Visitors: Wednesday–Friday, 1:00–5:00 p.m.
DMA Employees: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Appointments are recommended for conducting research in the library.
More information about DMA employee access and services can be found on the Museum's intranet.
With advanced notice, library staff can provide guidance in selecting materials relevant to your research and confirm availability of specific resources. To make an appointment, email or call the library and let us know about your research topic, resources to be consulted if known, and desired appointment time/date. We'll follow up with a confirmation and more details.
Contact library@dma.org or 214-922-1277.
- The Mayer Library’s collections can be searched using the online catalog.
- With the exception of the reference and periodical collections, which can be freely browsed, materials are retrieved by a librarian upon request.
- Some materials require advance notice due to their storage location; these are noted in the online catalog.
- All materials are non-circulating and are consulted in the reading room. A number of DMA publications are also available online.
- See DMA visitor guidelines for up-to-date information on Museum access and policies.
- Library patrons are required to sign in at the Reference Desk.
- Backpacks, large bags, and oversized coats should be checked at the Museum's Coat Check, if available.
- Do not bring in original artwork. Researchers are encouraged to bring photographs of those items if needed.
- Laptops may be used and Wi-Fi is available.
- Copy services: Scanning to email, flash drive, or cloud storage is free. Rare or fragile items may only be scanned at the librarian’s discretion.
The DMA is all about discovery—we welcome questions and will provide research guidance when needed. Please note:
- Questions about specific exhibitions or objects in the Museum’s collection? Start your research with the online collection or exhibition listings.
- Librarians cannot authenticate works of art or advise on their value. Please refer to the Conservation page for more information.
- To inquire about the acquisition or exhibition of works that you own, please email the DMA’s Curatorial Department.
- The DMA Archives contains records on the Museum's history as well as special collections that document the local arts community and/or relate to the DMA’s collection. Search the Museum archives and special collections or contact an archivist.
The Mildred R. and Frederick M. Mayer Library’s holdings are a vivid testament to the strengths of the DMA’s collection and reflect the collecting priorities of the Museum.
- BOOKS: The collection specializes in exhibition publications, artist monographs, public and private collection catalogues, and catalogues raisonnés.
- ARTIST FILES: Over 20,000 ephemera files contain clippings, press releases, exhibition notices, and small brochures.
- AUCTION AND DEALER CATALOGUES: The library holds a large collection of current and past auction catalogues from Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Heritage, Butterfield’s, and many other auction houses and art dealers. These are not listed in the library catalog. A summary of auction catalogue holdings can be found here. The library also subscribes to several auction results databases (on-site access only) and holds many print resources that are useful in researching auction records.
- PERIODICALS: The library subscribes to over 100 art-related journals and magazines. Holdings for each title are listed in the catalog, which also includes over 300 noncurrent titles.
- ONLINE RESOURCES: In addition to subscription databases, librarians maintain a list of useful websites for art historical research.
The Mayer Library welcomes and encourages financial contributions in support of the library and unrestricted gifts of materials for our collections. Donations strengthen the library’s ability to support the research needs of the Dallas Museum of Art staff and our community. To inquire about the donation of materials, a monetary donation, or the purchase of a title in honor or memory of a friend, colleague, or loved one, please contact library@dma.org.
