Thomas Merton Center

The Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University preserves and supports the study of the life and work of Thomas Merton, the writer and Trappist monk whose books address contemplation, peace, justice, and ecumenism. Its collection includes more than 50,000 Merton-related materials, as well as his artistic estate: over 1,300 photographs and 900 drawings. The Center provides archival resources, finding aids, digital collections, bibliographic materials, and research and teaching resources. Researchers can arrange visits during weekday opening hours, with appointments recommended.

The Center also shares Merton’s legacy through exhibitions, publications, lectures, and other events. It works alongside the International Thomas Merton Society, founded in 1987, which promotes the study of Merton through a worldwide network of chapters, meetings, fellowships, scholarships, and publications. The Society and Center co-publish The Merton Seasonal and offer programs such as the monthly Tuesdays with Merton webinar series. Together, these organizations serve readers, researchers, educators, and others interested in Merton’s writings and enduring ideas.