Looking like something straight out of Hogwarts, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Research Building is the New York Public Library’s leading location. With stunningly beautiful architecture and vast collections of historic literature, documents, and photographs, this library should certainly be on every bibliophile’s bucket list!Whether guests are interested in any of the various free tours, or if one simply just wants to gaze at the library’s beauty, a visit to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Research Building would make an outstanding complement to any vacation to New York City.
A Brief History
After its opening to a large crowd of fifteen thousand people in 1911, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Research Building, commonly just referred to as the New York Public Library, was the largest marble structure in the United States at that time. It cost over nine million dollars to construct, well over the original estimated cost! It is estimated that over two hundred and fifty thousand visitors came to the library within its debut week.
After very costly rounds of renovations during the 2000s and 2010s, the library is in the best shape it’s ever been today! With nine different divisions, like the Rare Books Division and the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs, this library is a gold mine of fascinating valuables.
- Fun fact: With its beautiful and iconic architecture, the library has also been featured on shows like Sex and the City and Seinfeld!
Rose Main Reading Room
The most iconic room of the library, with its gorgeous painted ceilings, one dozen glowing chandeliers, gray stone walls, and polished marble floors, the Rose Main Reading Room sets the bar astoundingly high for the entire library. Visitors are allowed to read, do homework, or conduct research, quietly, at one of the room’s many long desks.
Rare Book Division
With an impressive collection of nearly eight hundred books, book lovers should make a beeline for the rare book division. Boasting collections as old as the mid-1400s, and even older collections of indulgences and block books, guests have the chance to see some of history’s most prized books.
While the room is open to anyone who wants to use it as a reading or study room, visitors need to fill out this registration form in order to actually view the rare book collection.
- Hours: 1 PM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Friday
- Where: Third floor, room 328
Lionel Pincus And Princess Firyal Map Division
With the world's largest and most comprehensive collections of maps, the Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division is something for cartography enthusiasts. With over four hundred and thirty thousand sheet maps and twenty thousand atlases and books from the 1500s to today, this splendid collection will astonish even the most seasoned map collector. Unfortunately, access to the Map Division is by appointment only, and they might have a pretty high threshold for who they allow inside. Be sure to check ahead of time to speak with them and secure a spot before arriving!
- Hours: Division is by appointment only
- Where: First floor, room 117
The Miriam And Ira D. Wallach Division Of Art, Prints And Photographs
Featuring collections of over five hundred thousand photographs, and two hundred thousand prints, the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs is a perfect place for art and photography lovers.
Check out their online catalog to get a head start on what to look for while there!
- Hours: 1 PM to 6 PM, every day except Sunday
- Where: Third floor, room 308
Library Hours, Tours, And Other General Information
While the library is open to the public, it could be a good idea to schedule a tour to really get an intimate look at the library and its features. Knowledgeable docents will guide visitors through the building and its room on a couple of different available tours.
- Library Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM | Tuesday and | Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM | Sunday: 1 PM–5 PM
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Tours:
- When: First tour: 11 AM | Second tour: 2 PM, Monday through Saturday
- Duration: one hour
- Pricing: free
- Size Limitations: tours are first-come, first-serve, and cap out at fifteen people.
- Reservations: Visitors need to visit the information desk located in Astor Hall (which is where the tours start), about an hour before the tour to reserve spots
Rose Main Reading Room Tours:
- When: First tour: 10:30 AM | Second tour: 1:30 PM, Monday through Saturday
- Duration: fifteen minutes
- Pricing: free
- Size Limitations: like the Stephen A. Schwarzman tours, these tours are also first-come, first-serve. They cap out at twenty-five people.
- Reservations: Visitors need to visit the McGraw Rotunda (also where the tours start), about thirty minutes before the tour to reserve spots
*Library Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018, United States
In conclusion, New York City’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Research Building is a treasure trove of rare books, historic photographs and maps, and art from a variety of time periods and people. The building itself is an astounding example of sophisticated and captivating architecture, and even just a quick visit will stun viewers from the moment they step foot within its walls!