Visiting The New York Public Library: A Useful Guide

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Planning a trip to New York City? Make sure to add a visit to the New York Public Library’s flagship location to your itinerary. Situated in the heart of Midtown, the library is housed in the iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman building, surrounded by popular attractions like the Theater District, Bryant Park, and a vibrant shopping thoroughfare.

Whether you’re a bookworm or simply fascinated by impressive architecture, the New York Public Library offers an unforgettable experience. With its rich history and stunning design, it’s a less obvious location for anyone exploring the Big Apple.

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What’s at the New York Public Library Main Branch

What's at the New York Public Library Main Branch

While the New York Public Library has many different locations, the most impressive and the one that we recommend to visit is its flagship location, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.

From the moment you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the library’s grandeur.

Marvel at the architecture of the Beaux-Arts building, home to extensive humanities, social sciences, and fine arts collections. Explore literary relics, including a first-edition signed copy of “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” and manuscripts from renowned authors like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain.

Don’t miss the library’s famous lion statues which guard the entrance and have become iconic symbols of the New York Public Library. These majestic sculptures add a touch of grandeur to the library’s exterior and are a popular spot for photos.

The New York Public Library has three floors and a basement.

Inside, you’ll discover the impressive Astor Hall, the library’s main entrance. Admire the soaring ceilings, magnificent marble columns, and a stunning bronze sculpture of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. During the holiday season, the hall is adorned with festive decorations, including a towering lighted tree.

The first floor exhibition hall showcases a treasure trove of notable artifacts, from original manuscripts to rare books. Explore items related to beloved children’s books like Winnie the Pooh and delve into the world of the popular manga series “Banana Fish,” which has a special connection to the library’s Rose Reading Room.

Make your way to the second floor and step into the captivating McGraw Rotunda. Marvel at the vaulted ceiling and admire the dramatic murals that adorn the space. The rotunda is a true masterpiece of architectural splendor.

The New York Public Library also has the iconic Rose Reading Room. This breathtaking space spans nearly the length of a football field, filled with natural light from the beautiful arched windows. With its eighteen tiered chandeliers, it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for study and research. However, take note that entry to the Rose Reading Room is nowadays restricted to those who are there to actually use the library.

Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the library’s gift shop. It’s filled with unique souvenirs and mementos, including library-themed ornaments, bookends featuring the lion statues, and other merchandise.

In addition to its remarkable collections, the New York Public Library offers highlights tours that showcase the most notable and off-limits rooms of the Main Branch. These tours provide visitors with an in-depth look at the library’s history and architectural wonders.

The library also hosts exhibitions throughout the year, allowing visitors to explore different themes and displays. These exhibitions provide a unique opportunity to engage with a variety of artistic and intellectual pursuits.

So, whether you’re a book lover, architecture enthusiast, or simply looking to explore a historic landmark, the New York Public Library is a must-visit destination in the heart of the city. Be sure to include it in your New York City adventure for a truly unforgettable experience.

Lion Statues: Patience and Fortitude

The New York Public Library’s entrance is guarded by two majestic lion statues named Patience and Fortitude.

These iconic symbols have become synonymous with the library and are a popular photo spot for visitors.

The lion statues add a sense of grandeur to the library’s entrance and contribute to its overall architectural beauty.

Astor Hall: An Impressive Entrance

Astor Hall, the main entrance to the New York Public Library, is a remarkable space that captures the grandeur of this iconic institution. As you step through the entrance, you’ll be greeted by the sight of magnificent marble columns and soaring ceilings that create a sense of awe and majesty.

One of the standout features of Astor Hall is the stunning bronze sculpture of the Greek goddess Athena, which stands proudly in the center. This magnificent artwork adds an extra touch of elegance and cultural significance to the space.

During the holiday season, Astor Hall comes alive with festive decorations, including a towering lighted tree that fills the hall with warmth and cheer. The combination of the exquisite architectural details and the holiday spirit makes it a truly enchanting experience for visitors.

As the main entrance to the New York Public Library, Astor Hall serves as the perfect introduction to the library’s rich collection and cultural heritage. Its architectural splendor sets the tone for the extraordinary journey that awaits inside.

First Floor Exhibition Hall: Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures

First Floor Exhibition Hall: A Treasure Trove of a Collection

The first floor exhibition hall at the New York Public Library has the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures. This is a treasure trove of notable artifacts and captivating items. Visitors will discover a rich collection of original manuscripts, rare books, and unique pieces that are sure to fascinate and inspire.

In fact, the collection has more than 56 million items but only a selected few are on display.

Among the curated selection of treasures, there are artifacts from beloved children’s books, including the timeless classic, Winnie the Pooh, beloved by readers of all ages.

Treasure Exhibition at New York Public Library

There is also a lock of Mary Shelly’s hair.

The exhibition hall also proudly showcases items related to the popular manga series, Banana Fish, and its special connection to the library’s renowned Rose Reading Room. Manga enthusiasts and curious readers alike will appreciate the chance to explore the captivating world of Banana Fish through this curated display.

For those looking to take a piece of this extraordinary experience home, the New York Public Library’s souvenir shop is a must-visit. The shop offers a variety of themed merchandise, including unique replicas that pay homage to the manga series. Among the many options, one standout is the replica of the iconic chair featured in Banana Fish, allowing fans to bring a piece of the beloved story and its characters into their own lives.

Rose Reading Room

The Rose Reading Room is the crown jewel of the New York Public Library, renowned for its iconic status and exquisite features. This impressive room spans nearly the length of a football field, providing ample space for visitors to engage in study and research. The room is bathed in natural light, thanks to its beautiful arched casement windows that offer breathtaking views of the city.

While the Rose Reading Room is a sight to behold, it’s important to note that it primarily serves as a dedicated space for patrons to immerse themselves in scholarly pursuits. Visitors can access the room through free library tours, providing an opportunity to marvel at its beauty. However, there are photography restrictions in place to preserve the peaceful environment and respect the privacy of those engaged in their studies.

Specific rules govern entering and staying in the Rose Reading Room, ensuring that it remains a haven of concentration and focus for researchers and scholars. The library staff work diligently to maintain a tranquil atmosphere, allowing visitors to engage in uninterrupted study and research.

New York Public Library Gift Shop

Looking for the perfect souvenir to remember your visit to the New York Public Library? Look no further than the library’s gift shop, where you’ll find a wide selection of unique mementos and keepsakes.

Step inside the gift shop and prepare to be amazed by the variety of items available. If you’re a fan of the library’s rich history and architecture, you’ll love the library-themed ornaments that capture the elegance and grandeur of the iconic building. These ornaments make for wonderful additions to your holiday decor or thoughtful gifts for book lovers.

For something truly special, consider the bookends featuring the library’s famous lion statues, Patience and Fortitude. These beautifully crafted bookends not only serve a practical purpose but also serve as a reminder of the library’s enduring legacy. They make a great addition to any bookshelf or home library.

If you’re a fan of children’s literature, make sure to check out the collection of Winnie the Pooh items. From plush toys to adorable accessories, these Winnie the Pooh souvenirs are sure to bring a smile to your face.

One standout souvenir you won’t want to miss is the replica of the chair associated with the popular manga series “Banana Fish” and its beloved character, Ash Lynx. This unique item has gained popularity among fans and is a must-have for manga enthusiasts.

The New York Public Library’s gift shop offers an array of souvenirs that allow you to take a piece of this iconic institution home with you. Whether you’re a history buff, a book lover, or a fan of pop culture, you’re sure to find something special to commemorate your visit.