The DAI Rome photo library is one of the largest specialised collections of photographs in Italy, with images dating back to the mid-19th century. It comprises over 300,000 images, including around 200,000 negatives in various formats, such as glass plates, nitrate and acetate. The sculpture holdings and the topographical collection, containing photographs of archaeological sites and monuments, are particularly extensive. The topographical collection focuses on archaeological monuments in Rome and North Africa. Most of the negatives originate from photographic campaigns and projects carried out by the Rome department, taken by the institute's photographers. The collection is continuously expanded through photographic campaigns, donations and bequests.

Most of the collection has been digitised and is available to view free of charge in the iDAI.objects/Arachne image database. The extensive collection of historical prints can also be viewed on site. Further information on searching the holdings can be found below and here.