The cell nucleus of eukaryotic organisms contains the genome surrounded by a nuclear envelope consisting of a double-lipid membrane with embedded nuclear pores and an underlying nuclear lamina. The uniformity in size and density makes it possible to isolate pure intact nuclei at high yields from tissue homogenates by centrifugation through a sucrose cushion. Nuclear envelopes can be prepared from isolated nuclei by enzymatic degradation of their nucleic acid content. The resulting nuclear envelope preparations contain structurally well-conserved inner and outer nuclear membranes with attached ribosomes, nuclear pore complexes and nuclear lamina. Reliable methods for preparation of nuclei and nuclear envelopes play an important role in the successful identification of components that are located in nuclei and in nuclear subcompartments.