Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving picture information stored in an information center and subsequently storing the picture information in a user terminal by registering in the information center retrieval control information having picture numbers used in the retrieving operation, requesting the retrieval control information from the information center through a communication line, receiving and storing the retrieval control information in the user terminal, analyzing the retrieval control information and extracting the picture numbers contained in the retrieval control information, transmitting the picture numbers to the information center through the communication line to request the picture information corresponding to the picture numbers, and receiving and storing the picture information in the user terminal, wherein the picture retrieval operations can be achieved in an off-line mode by using the stored picture information and the stored retrieval control information received during an on-line mode.