documenta archiv

Service

Modern library space with white work tables, blue floor tiles, and bookshelves along the walls. Large windows provide natural lighting, complemented by modern ceiling lights. Colorful artwork hangs on the wall above the workstations.

Visit

The reading room of the documenta archive is open to all interested visitors. We kindly ask you to register in advance and look forward to your visit.

Archive materials and publications from the art library can be requested for on-site consultation by email. Please use our catalogues for your research.

Reading Room Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Address:
documenta archiv, Untere Karlsstr. 4, 34117 Kassel

Note: Barrier-free access is available via the courtyard of Dock 4, as the main entrance is not step-free.

Registration:
lesesaal@documenta.de

Regulations for Use:
PDF

Several books with orange and red covers lie on a white surface, including publications of "II. documenta" and "Malerei". An orange notebook with handwritten notes is also visible.
Two archive containers side by side: on the left, a flat box with a black and white photo of a person; on the right, a wooden filing box with yellow dividers containing documents and photographs.

Inquiries

Do you have questions or requests regarding our archival and photographic collections but are unable to visit us in the reading room?

Please send us an email. We are happy to assist you with your research, provide you with information, and, where possible, supply digital reproductions. This applies in particular to our photo and video holdings and, upon request, also to all other archival materials and selected publications (for a fee).

Inquiries should be sent to:

Fee Schedule:
PDF

Usage rights for historical images and audiovisual materials must be obtained independently from the rights holders prior to any publication. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the user. Many artists and photographers are represented by the rights management organization VG Bild-Kunst. We are happy to assist you in obtaining further contacts.

  • Hesse Federal Archive Law
    Hesse Federal Library Law
  • Please refer to the signatures of the documenta archiv in the following manner:

    Records and Papers
    Signature: documenta archiv, AA, name of holdings, folder, foliation (if available).
    Example:
    Arnold Bode: Organigram of documenta III, undated, ink and coloured pencil on paper, 20.9 x 29.5 cm, signature: documenta archiv, AA, d04, 60, fol. 4.

    Media Material
    The citation guidelines/credit line for media materials are available as part of the order or are given on request by the staff.
    Example:
    Complete Credit Line: Installation works of "The Vertical Earth Kilometer" by Walter De Maria, documenta 6 (1977) © documenta archiv / Photo: Dieter Schwerdtle
    Photographer: Dieter Schwerdtle
    Copyright: © documenta archiv / Photo: Dieter Schwerdtle
  • Information on Image Rights
Narrow library aisle between two tall bookshelves with colorful book spines, green carpet flooring, and wall drawing in the center.
Storage shelves with stacked cardboard boxes and containers labeled with numbers and markings on a blue floor in a warehouse room.
View into an archive with several white metal shelves filled with documents, books, and materials on blue carpeted flooring. The shelves are densely stocked and organized by various categories. The space appears to be a structured documentation center or library.

Guided Tours

The documenta archiv offers guided tours for all interested visitors, for groups of up to 25 people. We invite you to get to know our diverse holdings and take you into the archive’s working areas—from digital and analogue documentation to the collections and the in-house research activities.

Upon request, we can also prepare themed tours for you. We welcome school pupils, students (including as part of seminars), apprentices/trainees, associations, and all documenta enthusiasts. The tour can also be combined with a visit to the changing studio exhibitions in our reading room.

You can find our further events programme here.

Enquiries & appointments
Please email: archiv@documenta.de