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New York Public Library (NYPL) Humanities and Social Sciences Library Review
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New York Public Library (NYPL) Humanities and Social Sciences Library
- Address: 5th Ave. between E. 40th and E. 42nd Sts., Midtown West, New York, NY | Map It
- Phone: 212/930-0800; 212/869-8089 for exhibit information
- www.nypl.org
- Category: Architectural Sites
- Location: Midtown West
Fodor's Review:
This 1911 masterpiece of beaux arts design is one of the great research institutions in the world, with 6 million books, 12 million manuscripts, and 2.8 million pictures. But you don't have to crack a book to make it worth visiting: an hour or so at this National Historic Landmark makes a peaceful (and free!) alternative to Midtown's bustle along with some pretty incredible architecture, especially when combined with a stroll through adjacent Bryant Park. Buy a drink at a park kiosk, then head to the library's grand 5th Avenue entrance to people-watch from the block-long marble staircase, then check out the opulent interior.
The library's bronze front doors open into Astor Hall, which leads to several special exhibit galleries and, to the left, a stunning periodicals room with wall paintings of New York publishing houses. Walk up the sweeping double staircase to a second-floor balconied corridor overlooking the hall, with panels highlighting the library's development. Make sure to continue up to the magisterial Rose Main Reading Room -- 297 feet long (almost two full north-south city blocks), 78 feet wide, and just over 51 feet high; walk through to best appreciate the rows of oak tables and the extraordinary ceiling of this space. Several additional third-floor galleries show rotating exhibits on typography, literature, bookmaking, and maps (past exhibits have included old New York restaurant menus and a 1455 Gutenberg Bible). Free one-hour tours leave Tuesday-Saturday at 11 and 2 from Astor Hall. There are women's rooms on the ground floor and third floor, and a men's room on the third floor.
- Open: Thurs.-Sat. 10-6, Sun. 1-5, Tues. and Wed. 11-7:30; exhibitions until 6
- Subway: B, D, F, V to 42nd St.
Member Reviews & Ratings:
Even if you hate libraries and books!
Posted by spaniard from Virginia on 5/15/07
This is a MUST SEE! The building is stunning, the frescos are gorgous, and the ceilings are breathtaking... You might even be lucky enough to see a show of street entertainers outside...
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