Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

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.

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.

Explore our exhibitions Been Seen and Boundless: 10 Years of Seeding Black Comic Futures. Both are open 10 AM—5:30 PM, Monday to Saturday. Plus, see our outdoor banner exhibition, We Were Beautiful Then, Too: Late 19th Century African American Cabinet Cards at St. Nicholas Park in Harlem. 

Visit the Schomburg Shop to see clothing, jewelry, and books for all ages created by Black and Brown artists. It's open Tuesday to Saturday 11 AM—5:45 PM.

Though there are no guided tours at this time, we are working diligently to restore this key service to visitors in fall 2022. 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. 

With over 11 million items in our archives, our collections preserve and document the works of activists, authors, artists, historians, and scholars across the African diaspora, including those who identify as Latinx and Afro Latinx.

Schedule a research appointment to explore our materials. Plus, explore resources online.

Watch the only feature-length film directed by Cuba’s first female filmmaker Sara Gómez. Through the lens of Rómulo Lachatañeré, view poignant photographs capturing the everyday lives of Puerto Ricans and African Americans in Harlem and East Harlem. Experience Cubism and Surrealism from an oppressed person's perspective with Wifredo Lam’s lithographs. Read the materials of our founder Arturo Schomburg. Plus, study the writings of Dr. Vanessa K. Valdés. Learn more.

Scholars-In Residence
Are you a postdoctoral scholar, independent researcher, or creative writer who is interested in studying at the Schomburg Center? Apply to our Scholars-in-Residence Program. It offers long-term and short-term fellowships designed to support and encourage research and writing on the history, politics, literature, and culture of the peoples of Africa and the African diaspora. The deadline to apply is Thursday, December 1, 2022. Learn more.

Lapidus Center
The Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery at the Schomburg Center is pleased to announce the opening of the competition for the 2023 Harriet Tubman Prize. The prize awards $7,500 to the best nonfiction book published in the U.S. on the slave trade, slavery, and anti-slavery in the Atlantic World. The postmark deadline for nominating titles is December 31, 2022.

Plus, the online applications are open to apply for short and long-terms fellow with the Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery at the Schomburg Center. Post-doctoral scholars who is studying the slave trade, slavery, and anti-slavery in the Atlantic World are eligible to apply. The deadline to apply is Monday, January 9, 2023. Learn more.

Dick Gregory’s son, Christian, talks about newly available materials about his father’s legacy. Award-winning journalist April Ryan discusses why “Black women will save the world.” Watch a celebration of theater production in New York City featuring Black creators onstage and behind the curtain. Meet our librarians, curators, and archivists, plus learn how to conduct your own research using our collections when our annual Open House returns.

See our schedule of public programs for Fall 2022. Learn more.