Collections and Research

The Museum houses over one million artifacts, prints, rare books, technical archives, drawings, photographs, films and holograms dating from 7th century BCE to today. The collections reflect the wide interests of the MIT Community from the founding in 1861, to current cutting edge MIT research. The MIT Museum's collections support research, publication, restoration, education, public programs and exhibitions.

The MIT Museum is committed to expanding online access to our collections. We invite patrons to frequently explore our evolving collections database as we continue adding new material. This powerful new access tool was made possible by the support of the Institute for Museum and Library Services and the Donald R. Taber (MIT Class of 1925) Fund.

	Architecture and Design The Museum's Architecture and Design Collection is one of the country's important collections for the study of architectural instruction and practice. This drawing, of ink and graphite on heavy paper (detail) was a recent gift of Hugh Shepley FAIA. Attributed to Baldassare Peruzzi (Siena 1481-Rome 1536), Palace Facade in Pespective, 1520s.
	Hart Nautical The Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections are one of the oldest and most extensive archives of nautical technology in the USA. The collections date from the 16th century to recent cutting edge ocean technologies. The collections primarily document design and construction by the leading ship builders, marine engineers and yacht designers of the past 150 years.
	Holography The collection of holograms is the largest in the world documenting holography since its inception in the late 1940s. The collection includes the archives of New York's Museum of Holography, that chronicle the history of holography – the innovators, ideas and techniques. This vast collection is searchable via a new on-line collections database.
	MIT General Collections The MIT General Collection is comprised of visual and written material as well as artifacts that record the social and cultural history of MIT from its founding to the present day.
	Science and Technology The MIT Museum Science and Technology Collection preserves artifacts of historical interest and significance that document the intellectual, educational, and social-cultural-political history of MIT and MIT's role in the history of modern science and technology.
	Research Services Please visit this link to inquire about research and access to MIT Museum collections. This page also provides information about procedures, policies and pricing for use of collections. Researchers interested in MIT history should also visit the MIT Institute Archives and Special Collections.