Research FAQs

What images/drawings/blueprints do you have?
The National Building Museum's permanent collection illuminates the building process and documents changing architectural styles and construction techniques. The current collections contain approximately 75,000 photographic images, 68,000 architectural prints and drawings, and 100 linear feet of documents. Major collections owned by the Museum include the S.H Kress & Company Collection, the Wurts Brothers Photography Collection, the Northwestern Terra Cotta Collection, the Robert C. Lautman Photography Collection and the James Stewart Construction Company Albums. For more information on the Museum's holdings, visit the main collections page. Please note that none of these collections are comprehensive and we may not have the specific image you need.

How can I find out if you have the specific image I need?
The National Building Museum does not maintain a reference collection or general reference materials, nor are all of our collections fully catalogued. However, we are happy to search our archives for the image you need. To start an inquiry, please fill out and submit a research request detailing everything you know about the image in question. Some collections may also be available for study by researchers through appointment only. Please send an email to research@nbm.org to arrange an appointment. Response to all research inquiries is governed by staff availability; every effort will be made to respond in a timely manner.

Are all of your collections available for reproduction?
The National Building Museum is committed to the accessibility of our collections. However, many of the photographs, drawings and prints in our collection are fragile. Therefore, the staff may need to deny a reproduction request because the condition of the material is insufficient to withstand handling and scanning. Some collections may have other restrictions. Permission to replicate an image is determined on a case by case basis.

How do I submit a Digital Image Reproduction Request?
Fill out the Digital Reproduction Order Form and Use Agreement. Incomplete orders cannot be processed in a timely manner. Review the Fee Schedule on Page 3 and contact Museum staff with any questions regarding permissions or pricing.

When will I receive my order?
See page 2 of the order form for information on order processing times. Turn-around times for reproduction orders are counted from the time the completed Order Form is received. A rush fee may be administered for orders requiring shorter turn-around time. Please discuss your timing needs with the Museum staff if you have any concerns.

How will I be billed?
Upon completion of your order, the Museum staff will mail or email you an invoice. Payment is due within 30 days of receipt. Cash and checks are accepted.

I have more questions, whom do I contact?
Please contact the Museum's collections department at research@nbm.org.