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
A beautiful and historic library in the heart of NYC.
• The architecture — inside and out — is incredibly intricate. Beyond the books, the curated displays are thoughtfully done.
• It truly feels like a library-museum.
• Not crowded when I visited (winter weekday morning = perfect timing!).
• Very well-organized sections and floors, and everything was clean.
• There’s also a café and a cozy little shop.
• Restrooms are accessible and well-maintained.
• Definitely a must-see in NYC! 🤍📚
BA - 3 weeks ago
A beautiful and inspiring place. The architecture is stunning, especially the reading rooms and ceilings, and the atmosphere is calm and thoughtful. It’s not just a library, but a cultural landmark where you can slow down and truly appreciate the history and love for knowledge. A wonderful stop in the middle of the city.
Botakoz Arystanbekova - 2 months ago
Beautiful architecture! The main entrance and main reading room are gorgeous. I read that the main reading room is only open to visitors from 10-10:50 during weekdays but I’m not sure if that accurate; we went at 10:30. The portraits across the main reading room are worth a look as well as the exhibits in the first floor. It’s currently decked out for Christmas. Be prepared for a bag search entering and exiting. Restrooms on 2nd floor. No fee to enter. Be prepared for crowds.
Adam Ingraham - 3 months ago
So happy I finally got to visit the NY Public Library, it was so amazing to see! The lions outside were so cool and regal looking as if guarding the area. We went a little after they opened and there already was a lot of people but that's expected for a popular spot. Be mindful that it's still a library so there will be areas you're not allowed to access or take photos in. While most of the library and it's exhibits are free you may wanna schedule a tour to gain admittance to certain areas most of the visitors can't enter during certain times. Either way the architecture of the building is beautiful and amazing to see. There's lots to check out and I'd go again just to learn more about its history. Definitely a must see when you're in NY.
Maya Taurus - 5 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: grits2go - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: RuggyBearLA - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Photographing Travis - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jeffrey - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JFGryphon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: RuggyBearLA - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Hicham Souilmi - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sharon Mollerus - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jeffrey - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mattk1979 - cc license via Flickr
