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Research Services

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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

Researchers can make full use of this website, as well as the following online tools:

Requests for limited access to Magnes holdings for research are by appointment only.

For appointment requests, please contact magnesresearch@berkeley.edu