New York, NY 10023
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
Tuesday | 10:30 AM–6 PM |
Wednesday | 10:30 AM–6 PM |
Thursday | 10:30 AM–8 PM |
Friday | 10:30 AM–6 PM |
Saturday | 10:30 AM–6 PM |
Sunday | CLOSED |
Welcome to the Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, one of NYPL’s renowned research libraries, houses one of the world's most extensive research collections in the fields of theater, film, dance, music, and recorded sound, as well as a wide array of circulating and reference materials.
The Library is open for unlimited browsing of our circulating collections and on-site research services either for walk-in service or by appointment.
In order to request access to special collections material, users will need to create a Special Collections account. Although it's not required, we encourage patrons to make an appointment with the relevant division by clicking the Research tab above. Find the division and make an appointment.
In the Spotlight
-
New! Free Digital Guide on Bloomberg Connects
Download Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app, to explore the Library for the Performing Arts on your mobile device.
-
Get Updates from the Library for the Performing Arts
We send out email newsletters once a month. Sign up for to get updates and information about our upcoming programs, articles, and news about the performing arts!
-
Space Rentals - Outdoor Terrace, Auditorium, and Gallery Spaces
Hosting an event? Make it at the Library for the Performing Arts! Read our brochure about our accommodations, and contact us at LPArentals@nypl.org.
-
From Our Blog
Read our blog posts from expert librarians, staff and fellows of the Library for the Performing Arts.
Learn More about the Library for the Performing Arts
-
Support the Library for the Performing Arts
Friends of Library for the Performing Arts receive discounts, invitations to exclusive online events, and more!
-
Education at the Library for the Performing Arts
We help teachers, educators, and professors working in K–12, college, and post-graduate schools strengthen their coursework by providing access to our archives, and more.
-
Shop
Visit the gift shop at the Library for the Performing Arts.
-
Contact Us
If you need assistance with research and using our collections, please contact one of our divisions.
Current Exhibitions
-
From Panama to New York: The Musical Journey of Rubén Blades
Through April 15, 2025The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts -
The Joffrey + Ballet in the U.S.
Through March 1, 2025The New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThe Joffrey + Ballet in the U.S. tells the story of what made the Joffrey a unique force in the world of dance, demonstrating…
Events
See All-
Celebrating Original Documentation at the Jerome Robbins Dance Division
Thursday, December 12 | 6 PM -
Celebrating Danspace’s 50th Anniversary
Monday, December 16 | 6 PM -
The Library for the Performing Arts Play Club
Monday, December 16 | 6:30 PM -
The Dance Historian Is In: Nicole Duffy on Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker
Wednesday, December 18 | 1 PM -
William Parker: Huey's Pocket Watch
Thursday, December 19 | 6 PM -
Ranee, Aparna, and Ashwini Ramaswamy—Ragamala Dance Company in Conversation
Monday, January 6 | 6 PM
About the Library for the Performing Arts
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts houses one of the world's most extensive combinations of circulating, reference, and rare archival collections in its field. These materials are available free of charge, along with a wide range of special programs, including exhibitions, seminars, and performances. An essential resource for everyone with an interest in the arts—whether professional or amateur—the Library is known particularly for its prodigious collections of non-book materials such as historic recordings, videotapes, autograph manuscripts, correspondence, sheet music, stage designs, press clippings, programs, posters and photographs.
Learn more about this location Learn about capital construction projects at this location