The Institute of Art History is one of the oldest in the German-speaking world. Research and teaching focus on Italian art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as German and French art and contemporary art. Teaching and research activities cover the genres of architecture, sculpture, painting, drawing, arts and crafts and art theory as well as photography, film, video, installation and media art, exhibition and documentation practices. The institute's extensive library features a corresponding collection focus.