Address and Contact Information

220 South 34th St., Philadelphia, PA 19104 
215-898-8325 
finearts@pobox.upenn.edu 
Accessibility information

For Students, Faculty, and Staff of the University of Pennsylvania

The Fisher Fine Arts Library serves the teaching, research and scholarly activities of the University faculty, students, and staff. Access and borrowing privileges are provided to individuals who hold a valid PennCard.

For All Other Visitors

Regarded as one of the most important library buildings in the world, the Fisher Fine Arts Library is also one of Philadelphia's great buildings and most important interiors. Every year, the Fisher welcomes visitors from all over the world; groups are also welcome.

If you are interested in visiting Fisher or using its collections for your research, you may freely access the space, most weeks Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors will need to check in with the security guard and provide a valid photo ID.

After 6 p.m. and on weekends, only the following patron categories will be admitted:

  • Patrons with valid PennCards
  • Patrons with valid Penn Libraries Courtesy Cards with accompanying valid photo identification
  • Patrons with valid Penn Alumni Cards or Penn Fund Library Alumni Access Cards
  • Patrons with institutional identification from HUP, CHOP, Pennsylvania or Presbyterian Hospitals, or a University of Pennsylvania Health System hospital affiliate
  • Patrons with a valid photo I.D. from Drexel, Saint Joseph's, Villanova, or a SHARES Partner including Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Swarthmore, and Temple
  • Patrons with a valid photo I.D. from a BorrowDirect Plus Partner

For Groups

Please schedule group visits ahead of time by contacting finearts@pobox.upenn.edu.

Research Services

For more information about Fisher Fine Arts Library research services, see the Fisher Fine Arts Library research support guide or contact finearts@pobox.upenn.edu.

Additional Rules and Guidelines

Restricted access

Individuals unaffiliated with the university will not have access to the Fisher Fine Arts Library during reading and final exam weeks at the end of each semester. During these periods, access is limited to patrons with a valid PennCard; Penn Libraries Courtesy Card with accompanying valid photo ID; Penn Alumni Card; Penn Fund Library Alumni Access card; or institutional identification from HUP, CHOP, Pennsylvania or Presbyterian Hospitals or a University of Pennsylvania Health System hospital affiliate.

Food and Drink, and Security

While covered beverages are allowed, the Fisher Fine Arts Library is a no-food zone. Security checks bags upon entry to ensure food is not brought into the library. Patrons with food may store their meals in a designated cabinet outside of the library. If patrons are found with food in the library, they will be asked to take it outside of the library. Security will be called upon to assist if a patron fails to comply.

The Fisher Fine Arts Library is a quiet space. We ask patrons not to talk on their cell phones. Anyone talking on their cell phones in the reading room areas, carrels, stairwells, or stacks will be asked to leave the library to complete the call.

Photography in the Fisher Fine Arts Library

You’re welcome to take snapshots throughout the Fisher Fine Arts Library, though we ask all visitors to be mindful of patrons (and their privacy) studying in the library spaces. No flash photography is allowed.

Please note that the library cannot accommodate formal photo shoots or filming, wedding ceremonies, or engagement parties, nor will it close for a photography shoot.