The Research Archives library is open to faculty, staff, students, members, and authorized guests of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures and the University of Chicago. All others desiring to use the Research Archives library are expected to enroll as members of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, fill out an application for research visit, and arrange for their research visit with the Head of the Research Archives prior to their arrival. Visitors who do not make prior arrangements may be denied access. Entrance into the Research Archives library is controlled by an electronic identification card reader. All authorized guests will need to arrange their visit prior to arrival in order to be issued a temporary identification card for access. Information on membership is available at the front desk in the lobby of the museum, at the Suq store, or from the Membership department.

Rosette from window in Elizabeth Morse Genius Reading Room

Hours of operation during the academic year are:
Monday-Tuesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday-Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Hours during interim periods and holidays are changeable. Those who plan on using the Research Archives library during interim periods and holidays, and those who are coming from out of town to use the Research Archives library at any time throughout the year, should call ahead to confirm that the library will be open.

The Research Archives library will be closed from Saturday, December 23, 2023 until Monday, January 1, 2024. We will resume our normal operating schedule on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

The contact information for the Research Archives is as follows:

Research Archives
Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures
1155 East 58th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: (773) 702-9537
Fax: (773) 702-9853
Email the Head of the Research Archives