515 Malcolm X Boulevard (135th St and Malcolm X Blvd)
New York, NY 10037
917-275-6975
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Tuesday 10 AM–6 PM
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Thursday 10 AM–6 PM
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100 Schomburg logo on a green background.

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem is one of The New York Public Library’s renowned research libraries. A world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diasporic, and African experiences, the Schomburg stewards a collection of over 11 million items.  

This year, we're celebrating our 100th anniversary! Join us all year long for a wide array of special events, exhibitions, and more as we celebrate this milestone and continue the legacy of Arturo Schomburg. Learn more.

Visit the Schomburg Center

Exterior of the Schomburg Center displaying Centennial banners.

To learn about the Center's research divisions, schedule an appointment, or find out about other services, see our resources for researchers

The Schomburg Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5:45 PM. The Shop sells books, clothing, jewelry, and more created by Black and Brown artists for all ages. 

Guided group tours take place Monday–Friday from 11 AM through 2 PM. Visit our Schomburg Tours page. Confirmed reservations are required for all guided group tours

Online applications are open for the 2025–2026 class of our Junior Scholars Program. The deadline has been extended to Sunday, July 20. 

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.

Arthur Ashe | 50th Anniversary of Wimbledon Win

Left: Book cover of Days of Grace written by Arthur Ashe and Arnold Rampersad. Middle: Book cover of Arthur Ashe on Tennis written by Ashe and Alexander McNab. Right: Book cover of A Hard Road to Glory written by Arthur Ashe.

To the delight of his supporters, disbelief of many in sports, shock of odds makers, and unthinkable to his critics, Arthur Ashe defeated longtime rival and defending champion Jimmy Connors at the 1975 Wimbledon Championships. Ashe became the first Black male player to win the Men's Singles title at the prestigious British tennis tournament. 

Take a look back at one of the most jaw-dropping upsets in sports history and explore his legacy. We are home to the collection of Arthur Ashe. Read more

What's On | Events & Content Inspired by Our Centennial

Against a light plum colored back, the 100th anniversary logo. The first zero of the 100 has a phohto to two people sharing a laugh. In the lower right hand side are the words, Schomburg Centennial Festival in white lettering.

See our public programs schedule. Read more

Free Book Giveaway! Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library (While supplies last) Read more

Explore, It Happened in Harlem, our new list of recommended books for all ages. Learn more.   

Access the Centennial edition of Teaching with the Schomburg Center's Archives. Read more

New Exhibition! 100: A Century of Collections, Community, and Creativity

Gallery walls and display cases displaying Schomburg Center collection items.

Photo: Jonathan Blanc/NYPL

Join us for a major new exhibition showcasing some of the many extraordinary items from our collections! Curated by Schomburg Center Director Joy L. Bivins, 100: A Century of Collections, Community, and Creativity will surround visitors with the sights, sounds, and objects that have shaped this historic institution’s first century. Read more

To ensure the safety of the Schomburg Center's collection and provide a smooth experience for all guests we kindly ask that visitors leave large bags—including book bags, backpacks, and shoulder bags—at home or in a secure location before arriving. Any item that could pose a risk to the artwork/artifacts or other visitors may be prohibited at the discretion of our security team. 

New Exhibition! Guarionex: 100 Years of Celebrating of Black Archival Resistance

A collage of images. Left: Arturo Schomburg as a child. Middle: A pharaoh. Left: Arturo Schomburg as an adult.

Artwork: M. Scott Johnson

Created by students in our Junior Scholars Program, Guarionex: 100 Years of Celebrating of Black Archival Resistance, both a love letter and a battle cry! Inspired by our founder Arturo Schomburg’s seminal essay “The Negro Digs Up His Past,” Guarionex explores Afro-Surrealism through the lens of historical recovery and cultural resilience. It's on view at the Countee Cullen Library at 104 West 136th Street. Read more

In the Spotlight

Current Exhibitions

About the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Interior view of 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.

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