Mission

The Vatican Apostolic Library specializes in philological and historical disciplines and, from a broader historical perspective, also in theological, legal, and scientific fields. It is dedicated to scholarly research based on the direct study of manuscripts, printed books, coins and medals, prints, as well as graphic and cartographic materials.

By papal decree, the Library is open to qualified scholars and researchers, regardless of religion, origin, or cultural background. Access is primarily granted to university professors, academic researchers, and scholars from higher education institutions, as well as other suitably qualified individuals.

Admission is subject to the availability of places and to the demonstration of adequate academic preparation, certified by recognized educational institutions. Researchers are also required to present their research project.

Holdings

The Library preserves a collection of extraordinary richness and diversity, comprising approximately 180,000 manuscripts and archival documents, around 2,000,000 printed books, about 8,300 incunabula, approximately 300,000 coins and medals, over 100,000 graphic works (including prints, drawings, and engraved plates), and more than 150,000 photographs.