Morgan Library & Museum
New York City, NY
Formerly the personal library of banker J. P. Morgan, the Morgan Library & Museum is a treasure trove for book lovers and culture vultures of all stripes. Celebrated for its collection of rare books and lavish interior, the library underwent a major expansion roughly 20 years ago. Today, it offers visitors historic architecture to discover and a well-developed events calendar.
The basics
A National Historic Landmark and dazzling jewel box of a building that contains prized books, artworks, and culture, the Morgan Library & Museum is one of Manhattan’s most distinctive spaces. Whether you visit on your own or with a tour, you can explore its landmark spaces like the Historic Library, Rotunda, and Morgan’s Office. The on-site gallery has a regular roster of changing exhibitions, while its performance space hosts talks, concerts, and other events. It’s also worth exploring the Morgan Garden, open seasonally, which is a tranquil green space perfect for escaping the Midtown bustle.
To ensure a smooth visiting experience, it’s best to book your tickets in advance online, as admission is only by ticketed time slot; only a limited quantity of tickets are available for walk-in visitors.
Things to know before you go
- The Morgan Library is accessible to wheelchair users.
- The Morgan Café serves a range of light bites and drinks.
- The library offers free Friday night admission at select times of year, and college students can also visit for free on the first Sunday of the month.
- It’s best to avoid bringing luggage and other bulky items with you; all bags are searched on arrival, so expect a short wait.
How to get there
The Morgan Library & Museum is located at 225 Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. It’s just a few blocks south of Grand Central Station, one of Manhattan’s major transit hubs, which is served by mainline trains as well as the 4, 5, and 6 subway lines. Taxis and rideshare services are also plentiful in the area.
When to get there
The Morgan Library & Museum is open every day except Monday, generally from mid-morning until early evening, although it has extended opening hours on Fridays. Thanks to its changing roster of exhibitions and performances, it’s worth consulting its events calendar before your visit.
Morgan Library & Museum collection highlights
The Morgan Library & Museum is home to a number of priceless treasures. Some of its collection highlights worth seeking out include a copy of the Gutenberg Bible, Thoreau’s journals, Bach’s sheet music, Phyllis Wheatley’s poems, and a wide range of other literary and artistic highlights.
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