Research Requests and Artwork Loans

Hirshhorn Plaza

Archival Records Requests

Researchers may request access to artwork archival records to support ongoing research. These records are maintained and updated by the Museum. Preliminary artwork information can be found on our website or the Smithsonian Collections website.   

Staff will scan documents and provide access to digitized records via a secure virtual delivery method. All requests require a minimum of 8 weeks from receipt of request to fulfill.

Artwork Viewing Requests

Researchers, scholars, and visiting curators may ask to view artworks.

We require 6 months’ notice to schedule onsite artwork viewings. Viewings are dependent on staff availability and artwork accessibility.

    Request Research Visit or Archival Material







    Fill in your preferred dates at least 3 months in advance. Visits are offered Monday-Friday between 10am and 4pm pending staff availability.



    Fill in your deadline to receive archival material at least 3 months in advance. Earlier deadlines cannot be guaranteed.


    Enter artwork titles and artists. Add as much detail as possible. Artwork information is available on our website or collections.si.edu.



    Outgoing Loans

    The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden maintains an active lending program. Loan requests will be considered from accredited nonprofit national and international museums, institutions, and galleries for the purpose of public exhibition.

    If you would like to borrow a work of art from the Hirshhorn collection, please send a formal request letter and an updated AAM facility report for your institution at least 12 months prior to the opening of your exhibition. Please limit your request to six objects.

    Please be advised that we are amid several major projects that may affect access to our collections for evaluation and future loans. If you have questions, please contact HMSG-OutgoingLoans@si.edu.

    CONTACT INFORMATION

    Collections Care and Management Department
    HMSGCollections@si.edu

    Mailing Address

    Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
    MRC 350
    P.O. Box 37012
    Washington, D.C. 20013-7012