New York City Sights

Guidebooks

Mobile App

New York City Guide App Download Fodor's City Guide App for FREE!

New York Public Library (NYPL) Main Branch: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Write a review

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  

New York Public Library (NYPL) Main Branch: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Review

In 2011 the "Library with the Lions" celebrated its centennial as a masterpiece of beaux-arts design and one of the great research institutions in the world, with more than 6 million books, 12 million manuscripts, and 3 million pictures. In 2012, this National Historic Landmark was the center of much discussion as the library's board approved a controversial $300 million plan to convert the 5th Avenue flagship into the world's largest combined research and circulating library—a plan that will create two floors of storage space under adjacent Bryant Park, create additional public space and computer terminals, and eventually fold two other Manhattan branches under its roof. Construction is expected to begin in late 2013, at which point the library will close for two years, so best enjoy the beautiful architecture and peaceful (and free!) escape from Midtown's bustle while you can—check the website for details. The marble staircase at the library's grand 5th Avenue entrance is an excellent perch for people-watching, before or after you explore 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. Ascend 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. Several additional third-floor galleries show rotating exhibits on print and photography (past exhibits have included old New York restaurant menus and a 1455 Gutenberg Bible). Free one-hour tours leave Monday-Saturday at 11 and 2, and Sunday at 2 from Astor Hall. Women's bathrooms are on the ground floor and third floor, and there's a men's bathroom on the third floor.

    Contact Information

  • Address: 5th Ave., between E. 40th and E. 42nd Sts., Midtown West, New York, NY, 10018 | Map It
  • Phone: 212/930-0800 for exhibit information
  • Hours: Mon. and Thurs.--Sat. 10--6, Sun. 1--5, Tues. and Wed. 10--8; exhibitions until 6
  • Website: www.nypl.org
  • Subway: B, D, F, M to 42nd St.; 7 to 5th Ave.
  • Location: Midtown West
Write a review

Fodorite Reviews

Average Rating:  
  • Experience  
    Ease  
    Value  
    Don't Miss  

    New York Public Library (NYPL) Humanities and Social Sciences Library Review

    Do make the time for one of the (free!) guided tours - it's the best way to grasp and appreciate the astounding history of the building and its collections (it's shockingly easy to stroll into the Rose Reading room, unknowingly right past a displayed Gutenberg Bible, and you have to be guided to peep in the window of the room containing a desk that belonged to Dickens...) and the hour long tour gives you the tools you need to explore in depth on your own. Make sure you reach out and touch those marble walls... it makes it real! If you miss the tour (or prefer to guide yourself) this little book available in the library's shop can recreate it for you: http://www.thelibraryshop.org/products2.cfm/ID/18652/c/nypl-publications. The library also offers free coat and bag check, so don't lug your backpack on the tour! Finally, don't miss the opportunity to pop your head into the Mid-Manhattan library directly across the street, one of the library's many circulating branches, bursting with books, DVDs, and magazines (and - TRAVEL TIP - free internet access).

    by KatieRoseC, 4/26/10
  • Experience  
    Ease  
    Value  
    Don't Miss  

    Fine building

    A gorgeous building inside and out, with attractive frescoes, plenty of intriguing architectural detail, and a nice clutch of paintings in an upstairs gallery across from the Main Reading Room entrance. Well worth a walk by and a pop-in.

    by bachslunch, 12/14/08
  • Experience  
    Ease  
    Value  
    Don't Miss  

    Even if you hate libraries and books!

    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...

    by spaniard, 5/15/07

Add your own review

Free Fodor's Newsletter

Subscribe today for weekly travel inspiration, tips, and special offers.

· Browse New York City sights

By Location

 Fodor's Trip Planning Ideas

Travel Deals in New York City

View all travel deals
* Some taxes, fees additional

· Forums Trip Reports

View more trip reports

·

View more travel discussions

· News & Features

View more blog stories