Books & Archives | Perspectives | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

10 Free Art Books to Read while Social Distancing

Burned through your book stack? We've published hundreds of books free online. Here are 10 to get you started.

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A painting of a woman wearing a robe, lying on a chaise lounge in an elegant room

In Circulation

The Transforming Book

Conservation of a “Blow Book”

Lydia Aikenhead August 16

In Circulation

Celebrating the 14th Annual International Zine Month

A look at Watson Library’s growing collection of zines

Melissa Raymond July 19

Fashion

On Karl Lagerfeld

The renowned architect reflects on the life and legacy of his friend.

Tadao Ando June 29

In Circulation

Where’s Karl?

Fashion Research in The Costume Institute Library

Julie Lê June 21

In Circulation

Chinatown(s) and the City

Documenting Iconic American Neighborhoods

Ella Hook May 17

Behind the Scenes

Ming Garden, 1983

This short film from 1983 documents the installation of a Ming-style garden courtyard at The Met, the first permanent cultural exchange between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.

May 16

In Circulation

Reflections on Spiritual Resistance

Building the Artists of the Holocaust Collection in Watson Library

Mirabelle Cohen April 19

Women’s History

Anita Reinhard: A Trailblazing Curator of Arms and Armor

One of the first women curators in an American museum, Reinhard was a pioneer in her field.

John Byck March 20

In Circulation

Yes, There's a Library Here!

Meet Thomas J. Watsons Library's Instruction Teams

Jessica S. Ranne Cardona March 15

In Circulation

A Snapshot of Black Photographers in Watson Library's Collection

Celebrating Black History Month in the Stacks

Angela Washington February 22