New York Public Library
A National Historic Landmark building, the New York Public Library is one of the best examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States
Free to tour and contrary to the movie The Day After Tomorrow, the New York Public Library is very much still intact and is one of the premier research facilities in the country.
Opened in 1911 on the site of the Croton Reservoir, the landmark building designed by Carrère and Hastings was the largest marble structure in the United States at the time. Created by combing the collections of the failing Astor and Lenox Libraries and the over $2.4 million dollar Tilden Trust, the public reading room and library had over one million volumes when it opened. Today it services almost 2 million library card holders.
A National Historic Landmark building, the New York Public Library is one of the best examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States. Entering through Astor Hall, welcomed by vaulted marble ceilings three feet thick and a grand double staircase, you can join a free docent-led tour of the building or exhibitions. The famous Rose Main Reading Room is a majestic space filled with natural light from massive arch windows and lined with thousands of reference works under beautiful panel ceilings and chandeliers. In the Bill Blass room, one of the few remaining copies of the Gutenberg Bible is on display.
Most of the books in the library are stored on an incredible 75 miles of steel shelving located below the massive reading room. These metal shelving units double as supports for the floor of the reading room above.
Check out the 'Photos and Video' tab above to view a great video highlighting some of the impressive features of this amazing building which is well worth taking time to visit.
Nearby attractions include Grand Central Terminal, Chrysler Building, Madison Square Garden, Macy's Herald Square and the Empire State Building.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoNew York Public Library Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018, USA
Phone: (917) 275-6975
Official Website: New York Public Library
New York Public Library Reviews
Rated out of 5
The library stood out because of the fact that I didn’t know what it was going to look like, the architecture is amazing inside and out. If you go to the top floor, there are amazing places for quiet study or reading, and there are alot of paintings which have interesting descriptions and history beside them. Unfortunately, the library was closed but it did look a lot more modern than the rest of the place. The art exhibit is also very nice, as well as some tinted glass arts on the higher floors. I would recommend you go here if you’re a fan of art or are just looking for somewhere quiet to study
Colin Phan - 3 months ago
Hello.
We were there on our first day in New York City. It was boring. You can't see any books unless you subscribe and like and share and comment.
The building is spectacular. Two big lions in the front. Wow. Impressive. So much power.
The exhibition was both interesting and boring.
FYI, there is this person's desk (Charles Dickens) and the date on his calendar is the day that he died. Wow.
Don't miss it!
Shonigal Galshoni - 3 months ago
This library really stands out also for its architecture and mini museum. Their collections are very interesting so go see them. No entrance fees.
Get memorabilia at their gift store too.
I was unexpectedly surprised by the top floor art and design so go up via the large steps and take pictures.
Worth the visit.
Troy Pitcher - 4 months ago
This library is such a treat. I wish, I were a NYC resident to avail of all services.
The building in itself is beautiful with murals on the ceilings. Lots of reading rooms!
I hope to do the tour soon.
The treasures exhibition was very impressive
Bharathi Mani - 4 months ago
Highly recommend !!! Free to visit, there might be a small queue to check your bag, but nothing too long. I went there twice, may 2023 and April 2024, last year I was able to be there within the shop’s working hours and buy some postcards and magnets. This year I went there a little late and couldn’t visit the shop but visited the museum instead. There are several floors and not all levels had restrooms opened or available.
Not everyone can go into the study rooms with the well known lamps, they’re used to study.
Overall, GREATT!!
Julieris - 3 months ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| B, D, F or V | 42nd Street / Bryant Park | 5 minutes |
| 7 | 5th Avenue | 4 minutes |
How to get to New York Public Library by Subway
Take theB, D, F or V train to 42nd Street / Bryant Park , head southwest on 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), turn left on 40th Street or take the7 train to 5th Avenue, head southeast, turn right on 5th Avenue, turn right on 40th Street.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near New York Public Library:
Photo Gallery
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The Interior of the New York Public Library is nothing short of Spectacular cc licensed photo by Arroz con Nori -
Photo Credit: Janne Räkköläinen - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: grits2go - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Photographing Travis - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: Philip James - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sharon Mollerus - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: edenpictures - cc license via Flickr
Video
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