Originally founded in 1972 as the Section of Art History at the Institute of History, this institution was renamed in 1975 as the France Stele Institute of Art History. The Institute is the central scientific research institution for art history in Slovenia and conducts research into fine arts and architecture from the Middle Ages to the mid-20th century, including study, publishing and commenting on archival sources for their historiography and interpretation. Special studies are dedicated to the art of the Baroque period and the 19th century, and to the work of architect Jože Plečnik. The results of the researches also contribute to the preservation of artistic monuments, which represent essential components of Slovene national identity. The Institute's library includes some 15,000 works relating to art history. Information on recent acquisitions is accessible through the COBISS computer system, and older publications are catalogued in alphabetical files. The Institute has topographic and personal card files of Slovene art monuments and artists, and a collection of photographs and slides. These are constantly being expanded with new information and research findings. Research results are published as scientific papers in the Institute's own journal and other periodicals and in monographs, with emphasis laid on Baroque sculpture and painting. Special attention is paid to exceptional individuals such as Jože Plečnik, Tomaž Hren and Francesco Robba. The central scientific publication of the Institute is the annual Acta Historiae Artis Slovenica. The Institute collaborates with native and foreign experts as well as with galleries, museums, heritage conservation organisations and art history institutes, both in Slovenia and abroad (Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Hungary).