Explore the Collections That Inspire Discovery
Art and art history begin with close observation—and some of the most valuable resources are found beyond the classroom. Through the Coates Library, students have access to research databases, scholarly publications, rare books, archival materials, and special collections that deepen their understanding of the arts and provide opportunities for original research.
The city of San Antonio is rich in culture and heritage with an array of museums, galleries, and historic sites, including the San Antonio Museum of Art, the McNay Art Museum, Artpace, and Ruby City. Students attend classes, visit exhibitions, conduct research, and participate in internship programs at our local arts institutions.
Campus Resources
Whether you’re studying Renaissance painting, contemporary photography, architectural history, or museum practices, you’ll find resources that help you explore art across cultures, time periods, and disciplines.
Special Collections & Archives
Explore rare books, artists’ publications, manuscripts, photographs, and archival materials that support coursework and undergraduate research. Students regularly work with primary sources to develop original research projects and gain hands-on experience with historical materials
Dicke Collection of Fine Art Books
The Dicke Collection features beautifully illustrated and historically significant books on painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, design, and decorative arts. These rare and limited-edition volumes offer students an opportunity to study both the history of art and the art of the book itself.
Digital Collections
Thousands of digitized photographs, publications, exhibitions, oral histories, and archival materials are available online, giving students access to unique resources for classroom projects, independent research, and creative inspiration.