Since January 2018 the documenta archiv has a reading room for all its departments. Records and papers, ephemera and publications can be used in there.

Please always send requests for an appointment in advance to lesesaal[at]documenta.de.

Reading room hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The reading room will be closed from Tuesday December 24, 2024 until Friday January 3, 2025. We wish everyone a restful time and look forward to a year together in 2025!
 

When using the records and papers and the media material we kindly ask for a written and detailed request prior to your visit via e-mail.

Access can be granted to archival holdings, collections, analog photographs as well as audio and video tapes by appointment. A room for groups of up to 25 participants is available if reserved in advance.

Publications from the collection of the art library can be ordered on location. Should you not be able to visit the archive in person, we are gladly to arrange help with your research on site.

All users have to comply to the rules of use within our premises.

Online inquires for the records, media and library material can be sent directly to the following e-mail addresses:

• aktenarchiv[at]documenta.de for the file and press material
• medienarchiv[at]documenta.de for the media material (photographs and audiovisual media)
• bibliothek[at]documenta.de for the holdings of the art library

For all more general or less specific requests, please feel free to direct your inquiry to:

• archiv[at]documenta.de

Digitized Files for Publication

Records and Papers: Scans of records and papers from our repositories are chargeable and will be made by the documenta archiv on demand.

Media Material: In compliance with copyright legislation and privacy rights – a large part of the digital image holdings are available in exchange for a fee.

Art Library: There is the possibility to scan publications from our library collection. You will need an USB stick to do so.

We kindly ask you to fill in and sign an order form:

• PDF Image Request (Terms of Agreement / Order Form) and revocation form

• 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:

Installation works of "The Vertical Earth Kilometer" by Walter De Maria, documenta 6 (1977)

Copyright: © documenta archiv / Photo: Dieter Schwerdtle

Photographer: Dieter Schwerdtle

Credit: documenta archiv / Photo: Dieter Schwerdtle

• Information on Image Rights

Since January 1, 2020 the new pricelist is valid.

It is possible to borrow material from the documenta archiv for exhibitions. Loans can only be requested by institutions under public law. Unfortunately loans to private individuals are not possible. Please follow the instructions of the general terms and conditions for the loan contract:

• Binding Request for a Loan