Research Services
The Magnes creates and facilitates collections-based opportunities for research, teaching, learning, and creative expression.
Magnes holdings reside in two locations: the Magnes building at 2121 Allston Way in downtown Berkeley and The Bancroft Library on the UC Berkeley campus.
The Magnes Collection is currently processing the Roman Vishniac Archive. Materials from the archive are not yet available.
Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life
2121 Allston Way, Berkeley
The Museum holdings of The Magnes encompass two main areas: Jewish Art and Jewish Life. In addition, The Magnes has a reference library of secondary literature about the role of art in Jewish culture and society, including archival documentation on the Magnes research, exhibitions, and public programs since 1962.
Access to Museum holdings is available for research and teaching purposes in the Florence Helzel Collection Study. Requests to view materials must be made at least three weeks in advance. For other conditions of use, see the Magnes Holdings Access Policy.
Bancroft Library
UC Berkeley Campus
The Bancroft Library is the primary special collections library at UC Berkeley. It supports major research and instructional activities and plays a leading role in the development of the university’s research collections.
The Western Jewish Americana archives of the Magnes within the Western Americana Collection at the Bancroft Library comprises over six hundred manuscript and pictorial holdings. Inquiries and requests regarding access to Magnes holdings housed in the Bancroft Library should be directed to Bancroft Library public services staff.
Research Inquiries
Requests for access to Magnes holdings for research or teaching are by appointment only.
Please complete the Ask Reference Questions form below or contact our Public Services at magnesresearch@berkeley.edu
Researchers are encouraged to make full use of this website, as well as the following online tools:
- The Magnes database with detailed descriptions and images of thousands of collection items
- A list of Western Jewish Americana archival holdings on the Magnes OCLC WorldCat
- Descriptions in the Western Jewish Americana archives for many of the holdings
- Images available on Flickr
- Videos on YouTube
- Information on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter
- The search function in the website’s top bar.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Ask Reference Questions
This form is designed to help the curatorial staff of the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life provide reference services that are responsive to your needs. Information provided in this form is strictly confidential and will only be used for internal purposes.
The form may be used to ask reference questions about the holdings of the Magnes, to inquire about research access to the collections, and to request the curatorial review of proposed in-kind gifts.
Research requests will be answered as soon as possible.
The Magnes Collection is currently processing the Roman Vishniac Archive. Materials from the archive are not yet available.