The 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 is very much still intact, the New York Public Library is still one of the premier research facilities. Opening 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 of over one million volumes when it opened and today 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 Rood 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.

Cost: Free

Hours :Tuesday and Wednesday 11:00am - 7:30pm; Thursday - Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm; Closed Sunday and Monday

Website: New York Public Library

Address: 42nd Street and 5th Avenue

Nearby attractions: Grand Central Terminal, Chrysler Building, Madison Square Garden, Macy's Herald Square , Empire State Building

Getting There on Transit
Subway Train / Bus	Subway Station	Walking Time
B, D, F or V	42nd Street/Bryant Park	5 minutes
7	5th Avenue Station	4 minutes
Take the B, D, F or V train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park, head southwest on 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), turn left on 40th Street (5 minutes) or take the 7 train to 5th Avenue, head southeast, turn right on 5th Avenue, turn right on 40th Street (4 minutes).