The Artothek Wiesbaden (Latin ars, artis = art; Greek theke = place) is a public institution that lends works of mainly contemporary art (paintings, photographs, sculptures, original prints, etc.) for a fee. It has existed since March 1999, is an institution of the Wiesbaden Cultural Office and is open to citizens of Wiesbaden and the region.

The loan stock of artworks is part of an art collection that has grown since around 1960 and has a regional focus as well as works by artists who are represented on the international art markets beyond the region and Germany.

Purchases for the Artothek are mainly made from artists from Wiesbaden and the region, from Wiesbaden galleries and art associations. The selection is made by the Cultural Office and the Department of Culture. The collection is also expanded through donations, permanent loans and the acquisition of duplicates from collections.

The Artothek also has exhibition catalogs, specialist literature and information on the artists.

The Artothek's task is to communicate art, to promote art and artists in the community and to communicate about art and artists.

The Artothek displays the works of art clearly on shelves, walls and in showcases. It appeals to people who enjoy contemporary art, who want to change their surroundings and train their perception with the help of borrowed art, who do not buy works of art for themselves, who have not previously had any intensive contact with contemporary art and art institutions and who can gain their own access to art here without fear of thresholds.

With its purchases, the Artothek specifically supports artists and helps them to reach a wider audience and find new potential buyers. It does not sell works, but establishes contact between prospective buyers and artists and/or galleries.

The Artothek has been based in the Wiesbaden Kunsthaus since 2011.