Thousands of Free Coloring Pages Now Available from Museums and Libraries

Drawing Of Stork Carrying Baby In Sheet

“The little one’s log” by Eva Erleigh. Courtesy of the New York Academy of Medicine.

The New York Academy of Medicine Library started Color Our Collections in 2016, which provides people with the fun opportunity to color in masterful artwork, all for free. In February, the program released its 2024 coloring page selections, allowing people to print and color images from 93 libraries and museums. This provides people with the chance to not only see collections that are normally in storage or not accessible by the public but also re-imagine them as they see fit.

Some of the most exciting pages on the list this year were taken from the Harley-Davidson Archives, the National Library of Medicine, and the Stanford University Libraries. The images vary from retro advertisements to sketches of fantasy creatures and nearly everything in between. No matter what style of coloring you prefer, you will probably be able to find something unique that speaks to you.

Upon clicking on a certain collection, you will likely be taken to a blank page, but don't despair. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page to click on the download link. To check out this year's collections, as well as the archives of all previous years, go to the Color Our Collections website.

Color Our Collections is an annual event that allows people to color in art from library and museum collections.

Photo Realistic Black And White Drawing Of Tropical Bird

“Ornithologiae” by Ulysse Aldrovandi. Courtesy of the Bibliothèque municipale de Nantes.

This year, the event is offering coloring pages from 93 different institutions.

Cartoonish Woman in Two-Tone Green Dress In Bedroom

“Mariana Pineda” by Federico García Lorca. Courtesy of the CRAI Library at University of Barcelona.

These institutions range from university libraries to specialized archives, such as the Harley-Davidson Archives.

Vintage Black And White Drawing Of Man Riding Harley Davidson Motorcycle On Road

Drawing of 165 model from a 1957 Harley-Davidson® model flyer. Courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Archives.

With everything there is to offer, there should be something for everyone.

Drawing Of Docked White, Red, And Black Shop

Courtesy of South Street Seaport Museum.

h/t: [Open Culture]

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Sarah Currier

Sarah Currier is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Based in central Iowa, she is currently enrolled at Iowa State University and is working toward a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in English. She loves all things creative, and when she’s not writing, you can find her immersed in the worlds of television, film, and literature.
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