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Villa Medici, Fiesole, Garden

This Medici Villa has gracious terraces, as Alberti recommended, cut into a stony hillside. There are panoramic views of the River Arno and Florence. Sites for earlier villas had been chosen because they were easy to defend, or because of their rich agricultural surroundings. Giovanni de Medici, Cosimo's overweight, libidinous, cultured and favourite son was a child of the renaissance. He cared for art, music and beautiful views. Michelozzo Michelozzi designed the villa. After Giovanni's early death, it was inherited by Cosimo's grandson, Lorenzo the Magnificent (1449-92). Had it been built 50 years earlier, the garden would surely have been enclosed in the medieval way. Had it been made 50 years later, the terraces would have been joined with great flights of steps in Bramante's manner. As it is, the terraces have lawns and are shaded by paulownias. Paths are lined with lemon trees, brought out in the summer, and with geranium-filled terracotta pots. Originally, the upper terrace is likely to have been used as an extension of the house. The lower terrace was probably a vegetable garden. There is a secret garden (giardino segreto) which has wonderful views, to aid one's contemplation. Cosimo's Platonic Academy moved here, from Careggi. Horace Walpole's sister added the coach driive in the eighteenth century and an English architect designed the box parterres in the twentieth century.

Helena Attlee, in Italian Gardens, 2006, p16, writes that 'Any knowledge that we have of the layout and planting of Villa Medici's gardens comes from the inventory of 1492, which lists all the 'contiguous pieces of land', including 'a garden behind said villa with various small walled gardens or with surrounding walls and a piece of land in the grounds with cypresses and trees in a wood'. She thinks the 'small gardens' were probably enclosed beds on the upper terrace with pomegranate, orange and lemon trees. It was Lorenzo who made the garden of Villa Medici into an outdoor salon.

Address via Mantellini, Fiesole, Firenzie, Tuscany, Italy

Opening times All year, Monday to Friday, Open by appointment only, Tel. 055 59164/59417

Nearby gardens

• Giardino della Gherardesca (3.6 km away)

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Designers and Influences

• Medici, Cosimo di

Villa Medici

The villa medici at fiesole.

The Villa Medici at Fiesole is one of the oldest Renaissance residences with a garden and is also one of the best preserved, but at the same time one of the least well known. While most of the villas dating back to the same period, such as Cafaggiolo and Trebbio, stand at the centre of agricultural concerns, Villa Medici had no connections at all with farming life. The villa was built during the mid 15 C when Cosimo the Elder employed Michellozzo di Bartolommeo to design it for his second son Giovanni dei Medici . Intended to be a setting for intellectual life rather than a working Villa, Villa Medici was constructed to be a demonstration of aesthetic and ideological values. It owes its fame to Lorenzo il Magnifico who inherited the property in 1469 following the untimely death of his brother. The new master of the house turned the residence into a gathering place for artists, philosophers and men of letters such as Marsilio Ficino , Pico della Mirandola and Angelo Ambrogini, known as Poliziano . The quadrangular building is a typical 15 C edifice, with square pietra serena windows and broad loggias looking out over the surroundings. The villa remained the property of the Medici until 1671.

Villa Medici - the Anglo-Italian owners

It subsequently changed hands several times, and in 1772 was sold to Lady Orford, the sister-in-law of Horace Walpole . In the 19 C it was owned by the artist William Blundell Spence and in 1911 was purchased by Lady Sybil Cutting , wife of the writer Geoffrey Scott and mother of Iris Origo who spend much of her childhood here. The entrance, which used to be on the Via Vecchia Fiesolana, was moved by Lady Orford in 1772 onto what is now Via Beato Angelico, a change which altered the entire organisation of the villa. At the same time a limonaia was built to a design by Niccolò Maria Gaspare Paoletti.

Villa Medici - the Garden

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Visit Fiesole: the complete guide

Fiesole, a pretty town immersed in a breathtaking panorama, stands on the hills behind Florence.

The history of Fiesole is very ancient and dates back to the Etruscan period. Under Roman rule the Tuscan city experienced a long period of prosperity, which continued until nearby Florence definitively took possession of the surrounding territory at the end of the 12th century.   Despite the dependence on the "city of the lily",   numerous luxury villas commissioned by the Medici prospered here. During the Second World War, the city was known for the famous Martyrs of Fiesole , that is, the sacrifice that three carabinieri made to save ten hostages. If these places fascinate you, you could decide to spend a weekend in Fiesole or discover Tuscany with one of our tours:  

⇒ Trekking on the Way of Gods: from Bologna to Firenze

⇒ The Via Francigena in Tuscany: from Lucca to Siena

What to see in Fiesole

We have prepared a list of things to see in Fiesole to enjoy the beauty of the city shaped by the Medici in peace. Why not decide to dedicate a day to discover the beauties of Fiesole?

Villa Medici

Fiesole cathedral, castel di poggio.

• Archeological Area of Fiesole

And now let's set off together to discover the most incredible places in Fiesole!

Villa Medici is one of the oldest and best preserved villas belonging to the Medici family. It was commissioned between 1451 and 1457 by Giovanni de' Medici who, passionate about architecture, decided to create a terrace on the top of a hill to be able to build his villa. Its structure appears very different from the previous ones, as it appears to be open to the outside, without military buildings and without the internal courtyard. The house was equipped with a cellar on the ground floor, stables and servants' quarters, while the upper floors were the homes of the lords. A curiosity about the villa is that the famous "Pazzi Conspiracy" was supposed to take place right here, according to which some members of the Pazzi family were supposed to kill the two scions of the Medici family by poisoning them at a banquet. Fortunately the plan fell through, but unfortunately the conspiracy was only postponed to the following day, during the celebration of mass in Santa Maria del Fiore.  

The Cathedral of San Romolo is located in the main square of Fiesole and represents one of the main meeting points of the city. The church dates back to 1028, but was enlarged and restored several times over the years. The exterior is in Romanesque style, very simple and flanked by a 42 metre high bell tower. The interior is also very simple, but appears much more imposing and decorated with few but very valuable frescoes attributed to Piero Perugino and Nicodemo Ferrucci. The cathedral is also equipped with a crypt supported by numerous small columns and decorated with frescoes depicting the Madonna and Child. The relics of San Romulus are also located here.

What makes this castle unique is that, despite its fourteenth-century appearance, it dates back only to 1826. The castle, in fact, perfectly follows a complex that was destroyed in 1348 and which was then rebuilt by the Alessandri family with an architecture that could imitate the original style impeccably. This imposing construction is completed by a huge garden composed of holm oaks, oaks, chestnut trees, olive trees and cypresses.

Archaeological Area of ​​Fiesole

In Fiesole it is possible to admire an important archaeological area containing finds dating from the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD. Inside the park it is possible to visit a museum, containing the finds found in the area, and the wonderful monumental finds such as the Roman theatre, the ancient baths and the Etruscan-Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva.

What to do in Fiesole - the Slow Active Tours proposal

Once you have discovered the wonders hidden in the streets of the historic centre of Fiesole, the time has come to get to the heart of the sounds and smells in the shadow of the ancient village. For this reason, among the things to do in Fiesole we suggest enjoying the calm and wonder offered by:

Panorama of San Francesco

The peculiarity of Fiesole is that it is built on top of a hill and for this reason it hides breathtaking panoramic points . To enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city, just cross the Rimembranza park until you reach the convent of San Francesco. The park will give you an incredible walk among the most hidden corners of Fiesole and, once you arrive at the Convent, the view is unparalleled: there are those who have even managed to see Brunelleschi's dome in Florence from here!

Popular festivals and celebrations of Fiesole

Fiesole is a city full of festivals and popular events that can be admired throughout the year, but summer is the best time to enjoy them to the fullest. For the entire duration of this season, in fact, the Estate Fiesolana takes place, a series of musical and theatrical shows that brings to the stage the works of various theatre companies and numerous local bands. Another interesting event you can take part in in Fiesole during the summer is the “ Notte splendente di Fiesole ” (Fiesole Shining Night). The event is held in June and represents a real marathon of gastronomic events accompanied by numerous concerts.

Typical dishes of Fiesole

The typical dishes of Fiesole cuisine are mainly based on the Florentine tradition and this is why it is very easy to find Florentine steaks , castagnaccio (a dessert prepared with chestnut flour), chickpeas with caciucco and stuffed onions. In Fiesole it is also possible to visit numerous vineyards and olive groves and immerse yourself in the creation and conservation of organic extra virgin olive oil and the best and most famous wines in Italy. Did you know that very famous American films such as "Letters to Juliet" and " Sotto il sole della Toscana" are set in the many vineyards that the area has to offer?

Eating and Drinking in Fiesole

Among the many restaurants in the centre of Fiesole, we recommend some that are worth visiting: La Reggia degli Etruschi in San Francesco street, 18. It is located in a heavenly place: an informal place, but full of quality dishes. Particularly appreciated are the appetisers, cooked with first choice ingredients. Bar Pasticceria Alcedo in Antonio Gramsci street, 39. A small pastry shop that churns out delicacies of all kinds every day. Particularly suitable for breakfasts and snacks, it offers both sweet and savoury goodness every day to satisfy every palate. Casa del Prosciutto in dei Bosconi street, 58. Typical restaurant that offers traditional dishes without sacrificing the excellent quality of the products. The wonderful experience is completed by friendly staff and a welcoming venue.  

So what are you waiting for? Get your stuff ready and off you go!  

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Villa medici at fiesole.

Front garden

Cosimo based his idea of an ornamental pleasure garden on the writings of the fifteenth century Renaissance architect and humanist, Leon Battista Alberti . According to Alberti, Tuscan villas should have gardens which were in harmony with their natural surroundings.

As the site of Villa Medici is sloping, the gardens had to be laid out at various levels. Large rectangular lawns with potted lemon trees are on the highest level, which is in front of the villa at the end of an avenue lined with cypress trees (see 1 on site plan) . The villa's piano nobile looks out over this part of the garden.

Secret garden

A secret garden is at the rear of the villa. It is accessible via an indoor staircase. It is a typical parterre garden with flower beds lined with box hedges and it has a large fountain in the centre. ( 2 ) .

In the 20th century another parterre garden was created by Cecil Pinsent and Geoffrey Scott ( 3 ) . It is alongside the front garden, about 12 metres lower down. A pergola has been built mid-way between the two levels ( 4 ) .

Villa Medici owes part of its fame to Lorenzo the Magnificent who inherited the property in 1469 and enjoyed entertaining writers and artists here.

Lower parterre with pergola to the left

Garden features designed by Geoffrey Scott

FAMOUS OWNERS OF THE VILLA MEDICI . The villa has enjoyed many famous owners including the beautiful Lady Sybil Cutting (mother of the well-known writer and philanthropist Marchesa Iris Origo ). Lady Sybil was the granddaughter of a British aristocrat and inherited her money from her late husband, Bayard Cutting, the well-educated cultured son of an American railroad baron. In 1911, a year after her husband's death, she bought the Villa Medici at Fiesole for herself and her young daughter Iris., as her late husband had wanted his daughter to be brought up in Europe.

In the period of peace and prosperity before the onset of World War I, Lady Sybil redecorated the interior of her villa and enjoyed an illicit love affair with her married neighbour, the Lithuanian-American art historian Bernard Berenson . He lived within walking distance at the equally magnificent Villa I Tatti, which was also being renovated. Berenson's long-suffering wife Mary was jealous of Sybil who she called ‘that blonde chatterbox with a high piercing voice'. Mary Berenson consoled herself by developing a romantic attachment to their garden designer, Geoffrey Scott, a young Englishman just down from Oxford.

Lady Sybil Cutting

Aided by Berensons' garden designer, Geoffrey Scott, Lady Sybil restored the neglected gardens at the front and back of Villa Medici. Because Lady Sybil was homesick for England, they planted camellias, rambler roses and wisteria. In addition Scott designed the lower parterre garden (1) .

During World War I Lady Sybil allowed the villa to become a convalescent home for wounded British and Australian officers.

In 1918, Lady Sybil's friends and relatives were shocked to discover that, having broken off the affair with Bernard Berenson, Lady Sybil married Geoffrey Scott, who was many years younger than herself. Mary Berenson (who was still deeply attached to Scott) was horrified by the marriage of the young man who had helped her over a difficult period in her own troubled marriage to the philandering Bernard Berenson.

Geoffrey Scott

Meanwhile at the Villa Medici there were quarrels between Lady Sybil and her new husband. Discovering that young Scott had briefly been unfaithful with the famous English author and gardening expert, Vita Sackville-West , owner of Sissinghurst, who was only having a brief "fling" with Scott. andLady Sybil divorced him for infidelity. Later Scott went to America where he died. A few years later, in 1926 Lady Sybil married the English author Percy Lubbock. All these complex love affairs among Anglo-American villa owners and their employees provided a constant source of gossip and amusement for Florentine high society.

The gardens only of Villa Medici at Fiesole are open from Monday to Friday between 8.15 am and 1.00 pm. For more information telephone 800-414-2401. A number 7 bus from Florence goes to the centre of Fiesole. From there, ask for directions to the Villa Medici.

History of Villa Medici at Fiesole

Introduction, various owners of villa medici.

1458 -1462 Villa Medici was built for Giovanni son of Cosimo Medici the elder.

1772 - Villa Medici was purchased by Margaret, Lady Orford. When she had the villa remolded, she died 1781.

1782 - The Villa was owned by Mozzi who is believed to be responsible to the alterations of the villa.

In the mid nineteenth century the villa was sold to William Blundell Spence. No major work was done on the villa while Spence owned it.

In the early twentieth century Lady Sybil Cuttingscott-Lubbock bought the villa.

In 1959 the Villa was purchased by Aldo Mazzini who it still belongs to today.

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Cover image © Alberto Blasetti

Discover Fiesole, attractive town north of Florence in Tuscany

Visit Fiesole

The town of Fiesole is on a hill just a few kilometres north of Florence , yet retains its own personality and charm and has several interesting monuments, as well as lovely views across Florence making it a very popular day trip with visitors to that city.

It is remarkable how close to Florence you are when you visit Fiesole, since it feels like a separate town set in the wooded hills and olive groves of Tuscany although it is really just a short bus ride away - catch the bus number 7 from the train station or from Piazza San Marco in Florence centre.

Historically the town has been considered as a tranquil escape from the heat and crowds in Florence and it is a popular day trip for those staying in Florence.

We stayed in Fiesole in order to visit Florence and found it to be an excellent base. Accommodation is cheaper, the bus ride is only 15 minutes (and only 1€20), it avoids driving on Florence's busy roads, Fiesole itself is very nice, and to cap it all the views from Fiesole over Florence are spectacular.

Exploring Fiesole

Although the principal pleasure of a visit is simply taking strolling the streets taking in the atmosphere and enjoying the spectacular views across Florence in the valley below, there are also several sights of interest to enjoy while you are here, most of them close together in and near the Piazza Mino da Fiesole.

Note that the views are one of the principal highlights of a visit to Fiesole so we recommend you visit on a day when the skies are clear.

This square is the best place to start exploring and also the perfect place to return to later for a coffee pause sat out on a terrace overlooking Florence from one of the cafes on the square. The main monument you can see here is the 11th century cathedral (duomo) and its original belltower which dominates most views of Fiesole. Inside admire the domed roof painted with frescoes and the black and white painted arches which are typical of many of the churches in the area. Some of the artwork is by Mino da Fiesole after whom the main square is named.

In the crypt of the cathedral are the relics of Saint Romulus. He is said to have been killed by angry pagans in Fiesole in 1028 BC.

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The Town Hall on the same square is called the Palazzo Comunale and dates from the 14th century. It is a pretty building with a large stone balcony that is draped in flowers in the summer. Standing in front of the Palazzo is a large bronze statue of the first king of Italy and one of his generals, both on horseback..

Next to the cathedral the ancient part of Fiesole, now the archaeological site, has the remains of etruscan defensive walls and also the ruins of a Roman theatre and baths. We had been led to believe there were only sparse ruins of the theatre but really it is very well preserved!

On the same site the Archaeology Museum presents artefacts found nearby that originate in the Bronze Age, Etruscan and Roman eras and includes a large number of ceramic items.

The Archaeology Site is nicely maintained with cypress trees, grass areas and hedges and one of the most attractively presented ancient sites we have seen.

It is useful to remember that Fiesole is actually older than Florence, and has been here since Etruscan times having been founded around the 9th-7th century BC. Fiesole controlled the surrounding region of Etruria for several centuries until the founding of Florence in the Ancient Roman period, in the 1st century BC.

The Bandini Museum here is also popular and features impressive works by several important early Tuscan Renaissance artists such as Della Robbia and Taddeo Gaddi. You have already paid for admission as part of your ticket to the archaeology museum so we do recommend you visit even if you are not (yet!) an enthusiast of renaissance art.

Next stop, stroll up (or clamber up - the street is quite steep!) Via San Francesco to the two other princiapl monuments in Fiesole: the 6th-10th century Church of Sant'Alessandro and the 14th century Friary of San Francesco. The first of these was built on the foundations of an etruscan temple.

Be sure to turn and look back at the view across the roofs of Fiesole as you walk along the Via San Francesco to reach these two buildings and you will definitely want to pause to enjoy the magnificent view across Florence from the terrace along the road. We found ourselves heading back to this spot each day of our visit to savour the views.

Enthusiasts of Renaissance artist Fra Angelico wil also want to visit the nearby Church of San Domenico to see the painting and fresco by this important artist, about 25 minutes walk down a lane from the Piazza Mino.

Attractions nearby

The area around Fiesole is also well known for its villas, often with impressive gardens. These include Villa Medici di Fiosole, Villa di Maiano, Villa il Salviatino, Villa Medici di Belcanto, Villa San Michele, Villa Capponi, the terraced gardens of Villa le Balze, Villa Medici la Petraia and Villa di Castello (these two closer to Florence) and Villa Schifanoia - these are all very lovely and enthusiasts of Italian gardening will want to visit all of them!

Also popular is nearby Vincigliata Castle, which is a substantial medieval castle, although much of what you see looks ancient but is really a 19th century reconstruction in the gothic style.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Florence guide , and the Tuscany guide .

See also Find Fiesole hotels

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The city of Florence is one of the most lovely cities in Italy, and home to a great deal of Renaissance masterpieces

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Prato is the historic centre of textile production in Italy and has several historic monuments and museums of interest to visitors

Poggio a Caiano

At Poggio a Caiano you can visit the Medici Villa, first Renaissance style villa in Italy

In the fortified village of Artimino you can see a lovely 11th century church and an important renaissance villa and etruscan museum

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At Vallombrosa you can visit the important abbey-monastery and the 11th century Hermitage of the Paradisino

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Villa Medici at Fiesole

Via Beato Angelico, 2 50014 Fiesole, Florence Get Directions →

The Villa Medici at Fiesole was one of the earliest Renaissance villas built by the Medici family. It is perhaps the first true villa in the Roman style to be built during the Renaissance, closely following the guidelines for villa design laid out by Alberti, who in turn took much of his work from the Roman author Vitruvius. The designer of the villa is unknown. It has been traditionally credited to Michelozzo Michelozzi, though recent research has suggested that Alberti himself may have been the designer.

The villa quickly became a favored retreat of the Medici family, as well as many other Florentine elite. It was probably the site of Cosimo de Medici's Platonic Academy, a gathering of humanist scholars who met to discuss issues of politics, science and the arts.

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Medici Villa at Castello

Features a stunning italian garden.

The Villa Medicea at Castello just a few kilometers from Florence's historical center is an ancient complex which boasts an elegant villa and a splendid Italian garden , second only to the Boboli Gardens in Florence.

The Villa is not accessible to the public since it has been the home of the prestigious Crusca Academy since 1583, a school dedicated to the study of the Italian language. You can, however, visit the splendid gardens without paying!

A little history about the Villa

The villa dates back to the 14th century but it gained prestige only when the Medici Family bought it in 1477. Just imagine: the two masterpieces, " The Birth of Venus " and the "Allegory of Spring" , by Botticelli now visited by millions every year at the Uffizi Gallery were specifically commissioned by Lorenzo dei Medici (the cousin of Lorenzo il Magnifico) for this villa.

The villa reached the height of its splendor with Cosimo I dei Medici , Florence's new Duke, who turned it into a magnificent residence to celebrate the greatness of the Medici family. He ordered Giorgio Vasari to restore the villa and Niccolò Tribolo to project the Italian garden .

The villa presents a simple and geometric design with two floors and Renaissance windows . It was built around a courtyard of the 16th century with Tuscan lodges and pillars. Within the building, we find only one original fresco left from this time: the Annunciation by Raffaellino del Garbo.

On the first floor, there is a large hall with frescos representing landscapes painted in the 1800th century, the Sala degli Armadi , the Sala delle Pale and a chapel .

Now onto the Italian garden...

The garden was designed by Niccolò Tribolo in 1538 on commission of Cosimo I dei Medici and represents one of the first Italian gardens in history. This one inspired the same architect for his next creation, the more famous Boboli Garden .

At the beginning, the garden showed a simple and geometric design and 3 terraces . Throughout the centuries, the villa has undergone many changes and within the garden have been added many Mannerist artworks such as the Cave of Animals .

The first terrace has 16 square flower beds and the Fountain of Hercules and Anteus by Bartolomeo Ammannati . All around are many classic sculptures placed in the park in the 17th century.

The second terrace presents the Citrus Garden in which you can find about 500 rare plants. Within this space, you will also enjoy the view of the suggestive Cave of Animals , created by Giorgio Vasari according to the project made by Niccolò Tribolo.

The cave has 2 rooms and walls covered with mosaics and shells . Here you will also admire 3 beautiful bathtubs , one made with white marble, one with red marble of Seravazza and the last one with marble with carved shells. Everything is enriched by statues representing animals and fishes which give the place a charming atmosphere.

There are also two beautiful secret gardens right by the “Limonaie” added later by the Lorraine Family to hold the citrus plants during the winter.

Climbing up a set of stairs you will reach the top of the garden and its large wood in which the Fountain of January by Bartolomeo Ammannati is set.

The park at this point continues in the style of an English Garden (more wild), commisioned by the Lorraine Family.

How to get there:

By Bus : from Florence S.M. Novella or Rifredi Station, take ATAF bus n°2 or n°28, and get off at the stop “Sestese 5”. From here, walk up to the traffic lights and take Giulio Bechi Street to the right, then go straight ahead and you will find the Villa.

By Train : from Florence S.M. Novella Station get off at the station"Firenze Castello", then it takes 10 minutes to get to the Villa by foot.

View more pics of The Villa Medici at Castello! »

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La Villa is set in Castello on via Castello 46, Florence, not far from the airport of Florence.

Entrance is free  and is open  from Monday to Sunday  at the following general times. These are indicative, because lately the villa has just posted limited day openings. You should always CALL 055 452691 to double check times and opening before heading out to the villa, as these hours can change at any time without notice.

From 8,15 a.m to 4,30 p.m in January, February, limited openings in November and December.

From 8,15 a.m to 5,30 p.m in March

From 8,15 a.m to 6,30 p.m in April, May and September.

From 8,15 a.m to 7,30 p.m In June, July and August.

From 8,15 a.m to 6,30 p.m in October

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Villa Medici at Fiesole, 1925

• Creation: 1925

Language of Materials

Physical description.

/ Quantity: 2 items / Dimensions: 73"x39.5" / Medium: Ink; watercolor / Support: Paper

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Additional Description

General note.

Note: Detailed renderings of the Villa Medici drawn by Newton in 1925; two years after the restoration/reworking of the site by Scott and Pinsent. Note: The property was held by the Medici family until 1671; it flourished as a cultural center most notably under Lorenzo il Magnifico (1449-1492).

Scale: 1"=10'.

Location of originals or duplicates: Stored in Reading Room SuperOversized Flat Files, Drawer #4.

Published in: Published in "Villa Medici at Fiesole", _Landscape Architecture", April 1927, pp. 185-189.

Physical Storage Information

• oversize-folder: C004 (Mixed Materials)

Repository Details

Part of the Frances Loeb Library Repository

The archival collections at GSD consist of primary source materials that further academic research in the design fields both within the GSD and beyond Harvard University. These materials, individually and collectively, offer engaging documentation of design history, theory, and practice. For further information, please visit: https://guides.library.harvard.edu/gsd/archives

Collection organization

Villa Medici at Fiesole, 1925. The Norman T. Newton Collection, DES, 2004, 0003, 012577982, C000, Folder: C004, oversize-folder: C004. Frances Loeb Library.

Cite Item Description

Villa Medici at Fiesole, 1925. The Norman T. Newton Collection, DES, 2004, 0003, 012577982, C000, Folder: C004, oversize-folder: C004. Frances Loeb Library. https://id.lib.harvard.edu/ead/c/des00030c00115/catalog Accessed July 06, 2024.

Once you have compiled a list of material you would like to consult in the reading room, please contact Frances Loeb Library at http://asklib.gsd.harvard.edu/q.php .