515 Malcolm X Boulevard (135th St and Malcolm X Blvd)
New York, NY 10037
917-275-6975
Directions
Fully Accessible
Closed today
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
Division hours may vary.
2023 Holiday Closings
Give Now

Visit the Schomburg Center

The front doors of the Schomburg Center. The words “Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture'' is written as a metal awning above the front doors.

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

A mid length photo of Toni Morrison, who is seated on stage at the Schomburg Center. The stage is dark and she is against a black background.

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

The logo is set against a purple background. On the left side, an abstract design. On the right, there are the words, Schomburg Center Literary Festival. Below is the Center’s logo is white and the date of June 17 is listed.

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

A collage of images featuring Harry Belafonte. It includes record albums and newspaper clippings.

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

A head shot of poet Akasha Hull

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.

    A painting of Juan de Pareja who is in semi profile

  • 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.

    Against a light blue background, the words Boundless: 10 Years of Seeding Black Comic Futures in white letting and black trim.

  • Space Rentals

    Hosting an event? Consider our Langton Hughes Auditorium, Langston Hughes Lobby, American Negro Theatre, or Schomburg Courtyard. Learn more about these spaces.

    Circle-shaped tables covered with blue tablecloths and chairs are arranged in the Langston Hughes Lobby. Along the left side is a rectuangular shaped table that has glasses on top. It is covered with a blue table cloth.

  • 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!

    Schomburg Center logo

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.

    Interior photo of Schomburg Shop. Has high and low shelves with books.

  • From Our Blog

    Read blog posts from the librarians, staff, and fellows at the Schomburg Center.

    : A black and white illustration of a female of color wearing a white cocktail dress with a black flower at her hip and a hoop earring posed against the railing of a balcony. The words “Opportunity: Journal of Negro Life is at the top of the image. The words “July 1926” are on the left side.

  • Public Programs

    The Schomburg Center advances knowledge of the global Black experience through dynamic programs and exhibitions.

    Two women are seated in chairs on stage at the Schomburg Center. Both have one arm raised in air, looking like they are in agreement.

  • Digital Schomburg

    Access exhibitions, podcasts, videos, books, images, and more about the global Black experience 24/7.

    Collage of photographs and artworks from the Schomburg Center's Digital Collections.

  • Support the Schomburg Center

    Schomburg Society members receive discounts, invitations to exclusive events, and more!

    Photograph of the Schomburg Center's exterior facade

  • In the News

    Read news stories featuring interviews with Schomburg Center curators, librarians, and staff.

    A male sitting in profile reading a newspaper

Current Exhibitions

Events

See All

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.

Learn more about this location Learn about capital construction projects at this location