Special Collections and Archives Locations

James Branch Cabell Library

The Special Collections and Archives department, located on the fourth floor of James Branch Cabell Library, is closed until early 2028 due to a construction and expansion project and related matters. More information

The department houses book art, the comic arts collection, rare books and periodicals, and manuscripts documenting the history of Richmond from the late 19th century to the present. The university archives for VCU are maintained by Special Collections and Archives along with the university’s permanent art holdings, the Anderson Gallery collection.

Some of that art collection can be seen hanging throughout Cabell Library. Some archival material is available online in VCU Libraries in VCU Libraries’ growing digital collections. In addition, the gallery exhibit space on the fourth floor is open at least through summer 2026. The exhibit on view is “Voices of Change: Student Advocacy and Action from the Archives.” 

During this time, the the staff has limited availability to answer questions related to collections and the use of primary source materials. 

The VCU Health Sciences Library

Special Collections and Archives at the Health Sciences Library is located on the first floor. It houses archives, artifacts, books, manuscripts, photographs, portraits and prints related to the history of health care in Virginia. The archives for the MCV Campus are also located at the Health Sciences Library. 

The Health Sciences Library will be moving in 2027 to a temporary location. More information. With the move, Special Collections and Archives holdings will not be available until they are ensconced in the expanded departmental spaces at Cabell Library, which is expected to be in early 2028.