Standing Guard Over NYC Since 1911

The New York Public Library on opening day in 1911
The New York Public Library's 42nd Street building on opening day in 1911. The Library of Congress.
Studio photograph of Library Lion in 1910
Studio photograph of Library lion, ca. 1910, Manuscripts and Archives Division.
Studio photograph of Library lion in 1910
Studio photograph of Library Lion, ca. 1910, Manuscripts and Archives Division.
The New York Public Library exterior looking up Fifth Avenue, ca. 1911
The New York Public Library exterior looking up Fifth Avenue, ca. 1911
The New York Public Library exterior
The New York Public Library exterior, undated, Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy.
World War I Book Drive on the plaza of the Central Library, 42nd Street, ca. 1916
World War I Book Drive on the plaza of the Central Library, 42nd Street, ca. 1916
Crowd gathered outside of 42nd Street Library
Crowd gathered outside of 42nd Street library for a Liberty bond rally, ca. 1918
Large map outside of NYPL showing Czechoslovakia’s location in Central Europe in 1918
Map showing Czechoslovakia's location in Central Europe, 1918, Library of Congress.
Postcard of NYPL lion, circa 1938
Historic postcard depicting Fortitude in 1939, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs.
Fortitude lion statue covered in snow in 1939
New York Herald Tribune newspaper clipping from January 1939, featuring Fortitude covered in snow, Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy.
The New York Public Library exterior looking up Fifth Avenue, 1940
The New York Public Library exterior looking up Fifth Avenue, 1940, The New York Public Library Archives.
Fortitude in undated historic photo
The northerly lion, Fortitude, in front of the library at 42nd St. and 5th Ave., undated
The New York Public Library exterior
The New York Public Library exterior from 42nd Street, 1946, Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy.
Crowd outside The New York Public Library
Crowd outside The New York Public Library, undated, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs.
Crowd outside The New York Public Library
Crowd outside The New York Public Library, undated, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs.

Fun Facts About Our Timeless Cats

  • Sculptor Edward Clark Potter obtained the commission for the lions, but the Piccirilli Brothers executed the carving—for $5,000.
  • When they were first unveiled, some folks didn’t like them, including former President Teddy Roosevelt, who thought the library should have bison (as they are North American animals).
  • In a similar vein, a small group of people thought beavers should flank the building in honor of Library co-founder John Astor, whose family had made a fortune in beaver pelts.
  • They were placed on their pedestals a few days before the 42nd Street library was dedicated on May 23, 1911. 
  • The lions are larger than life, stretching more than 11 feet (not counting the tail), about three feet longer than their real-life counterparts.
  • At first, the lions were called many names, including Leo Astor and Leo Lenox for the Library’s co-founders, as well as “Lady” Astor and Lord Lenox (even though they’re both male lions).