
New York, NY 10037
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Tuesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Wednesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Thursday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Friday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Saturday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Sunday | CLOSED |
Day | Date | Hours |
---|---|---|
Monday | 5/29 | CLOSED |
Tuesday | 5/30 | 10 AM–6 PM |
Wednesday | 5/31 | 10 AM–6 PM |
Thursday | 6/1 | 10 AM–6 PM |
Friday | 6/2 | 10 AM–6 PM |
Saturday | 6/3 | 10 AM–6 PM |
Sunday | 5/28 | CLOSED |
Visit the Schomburg Center

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, one of The New York Public Library’s renowned research libraries, is a world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.
Our newest exhibition Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration, which explores the impact of the U.S. prison system on contemporary visual art, is open through Monday, December 4.
To learn about the Center's research divisions, schedule an appointment, or find out about other services, see our resources for researchers. Please note: Division hours may vary.
The Schomburg Shop sells clothing, jewelry, books, and more for all ages. Items are created by Black and Brown artists. The Shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 11 AM—6 PM.
Though there are no guided tours at this time, we are working diligently to restore this key service to visitors in summer 2023. Please continue to check this page and the Schomburg Tours page for updates and more information.
Masks are strongly recommended in the Schomburg Center and all NYPL locations.
Please note: Due to new Library policy, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electronic transportation devices are not permitted inside any NYPL location. This does not apply to mobility aids.
Discover 4 Fascinating Facts About Toni Morrison Through Our Collections

Photo: Bob Gore
The U.S. Postal Service recently released a Forever stamp honoring Toni Morrison (1931–2019). This newest tribute brings new engagement and re-discovery of the late author’s award-winning works such as The Bluest Eye and Beloved.
Did you know she was a supporter of the Schomburg Center? Discover four fascinating facts about the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize–winning writer from materials in our collections.
Register for our 5th Annual Literary Festival on Saturday, June 17

Artwork: Generational Wealth by Ernest A. Ford
Our 5th Annual Schomburg Literary Festival will take place on Saturday, June 17 starting at 11:30 AM. Join us for the keynote conversation with award-winning author and cultural critic Sarah Ladipo Manyika—along with book talks and workshops featuring Magogodi oaMphela Makhene, Henry Threadgill, Cynthia Manick, Nana Brew-Hammond, Harlem Writers Guild, The Moth, and more.
Plus, back by popular demand, the Woke Baby! Festival, featuring children's author readings, live music, and more, returns for a second year. Literacy is generational wealth! Check back as more authors are added to the schedule. See our Spring 2023 schedule of events.
Schomburg Center Holds Personal Photos, Writings & More of Harry Belafonte

Actor, producer, and singer Harry Belafonte (1927–2023) dedicated much of his life and star power to standing up for freedom for all. He used his public platform, natural charisma, art, and talent to advocate for civil rights in the U.S. and to end apartheid in South Africa. His death last month has brought renewed attention and admiration for his activism, career, and legacy.
In 2020, the Center acquired Mr. Belafonte's writings, personal photos, and more. Learn more about the materials in our collections.
Akasha Hull Papers Now Available to Researchers

Akasha Hull, 1988, photographed by Bruce K. Turner.
The Center is pleased to announce that the papers and photographs of Akasha Gloria Hull are now open to the public.
The collection includes correspondence, manuscripts, and photographs documenting Hull's career as a poet and Black feminist scholar. See more.
In the Spotlight
-
Books, Photos & Writings of Arturo Schomburg Featured in Exhibition at The Met
The writings, books, and photos of our founder Arturo Schomburg are featured in the exhibition Juan de Pareja, Afro-Hispanic Painter at The Met. Dr. Vanessa K. Valdés (Diasporic Blackness: The Life and Times of Arturo Schomburg) co-curated. She discusses why Mr. Schomburg’s material were invaluable resources.
-
Explore Past Schomburg Center Exhibitions and Multimedia Projects
If you missed past in person exhibitions such as Been Seen, Boundless, or Traveling While Black, you can see them online. Plus, view past multimedia projects produced by students in our Junior Scholars Program such as 'Til We Free and By Any Means Necessary.
-
Space Rentals
Hosting an event? Consider our Langton Hughes Auditorium, Langston Hughes Lobby, American Negro Theatre, or Schomburg Courtyard. Learn more about these spaces.
-
Get Updates from the Schomburg Center
Sign up for our bi-monthly e-newsletter, Schomburg Connection. Get updates and information on our upcoming programs, exhibitions, research guides, blogs, and more!
Featured at the Schomburg Center
-
Visit the Schomburg Shop
The Schomburg Shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 6 PM for in-person shopping. Or, you can shop online.
-
From Our Blog
Read blog posts from the librarians, staff, and fellows at the Schomburg Center.
-
Public Programs
The Schomburg Center advances knowledge of the global Black experience through dynamic programs and exhibitions.
-
Digital Schomburg
Access exhibitions, podcasts, videos, books, images, and more about the global Black experience 24/7.
-
Support the Schomburg Center
Schomburg Society members receive discounts, invitations to exclusive events, and more!
-
In the News
Read news stories featuring interviews with Schomburg Center curators, librarians, and staff.
Current Exhibitions
-
Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration
Through December 4, 2023Schomburg Center for Research in Black CultureMarking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration explores the impact of the US prison system on contemporary visual art.…
Events
See All-
Schomburg Center Literary Festival 2023
Saturday, June 17 | 11:30 AM
About the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. As a research division of The New York Public Library, the Schomburg Center features diverse programming and collections spanning over 11 million items that illuminate the richness of global Black history, arts, and culture.
Learn more about this location Learn about capital construction projects at this location