515 Malcolm X Boulevard (135th St and Malcolm X Blvd)
New York, NY 10037
917-275-6975
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Fully Accessible
Open today
10 AM–6 PM
Day Date Hours
Monday 1/15 CLOSED
Tuesday 1/16 10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 1/17 10 AM–6 PM
Thursday 1/11 10 AM–6 PM
Friday 1/12 10 AM–6 PM
Saturday 1/13 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday 1/14 CLOSED
Division hours may vary.
2024 Holiday Closings
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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.

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.

On Thursday, February 1, at 6 PM, join us for the opening of our newest in-person exhibition, The Ways of Langston Hughes: Griff Davis and Black Artists in the Making. 

The Schomburg Shop will be closed on Thursday, January 11. We apologize for the inconvenience. The Shop is open online. Feel free to view materials virtually at any time.

Although there are no guided tours at this time, we are working diligently to restore this key service to visitors in spring 2024. Please continue to check this page and the Schomburg Tours page for updates and more information.

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.

150th Birthday of our Founder Arturo Schomburg

Against a blue/black background, a collage of five photographs featuring Arturo Schomburg

Digital Collections Images 1939249, 5004294, 1225986, 58805780 & 58805794

This year marks the 150th birthday of our founder Arturo Schomburg. Get an in-depth look at Mr. Schomburg’s life a century ago at age 50.

For Mr. Schomburg (January 24, 1874–June 10, 1938), 1924 saw the death of his longtime mentor, increasing urgency to find a permanent home for a collection of materials highlighting the people and history of the African diaspora,—and new beginnings. Learn more.

Lapidus Center Announces 2023 Harriet Tubman Prize Winners

A headshot of Kerri Greenidge on the left. Jori Lewis is on the right. Both photos are placed against a dark blue background

The Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery at the Schomburg Center is pleased to announce that Kerri K. Greenidge and Jori Lewis are the winners of its 2023 Harriet Tubman Prize for their books The Grimkes: The Legacy of Slavery in an American Family and Slaves for Peanuts: A Story of Conquest, Liberation, and a Crop That Changed History, respectively. Learn more.

Winter/Spring 2024 Public Programs

Against a blue background, the words “Winter/Spring 2024” and “Public Programs.” Below are the words “Save the Dates.” The words Spring 2024 and the Schomburg Center in the lower right hand corner are in bright green.

Coming up:
Wednesday, January 24 | Schomburg Center
1:30 PM–5:30 PM: Remaking the World of Arturo Schomburg: A Harlem-Nashville Transcribe-a-Thon
5:30 PM–7 PM: Dessert reception and Q&A with Schomburg Center Director Joy Bivins

See our public programs schedule for the season.

In the Spotlight

  • New! Free Digital Guide on Bloomberg Connects

    Download Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app, to explore the Schomburg Center on your mobile device.

    Exterior of the Schomburg Center.

  • Explore Past Schomburg Center Exhibitions and Multimedia Projects

    If you missed past in person exhibitions such as Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration, you can see it online. Also, explore online exhibitions such as Watercolors Amongst Friends and view past multimedia projects produced by students in our Junior Scholars Program.

    People are looking at a wall which has artwork.

  • 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!

    Symbol of an unread email in a rust color.

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 view of the Schomburg Shop. There are books on short and tall shelves. In the lower left corner, a partial view of clothing rank featuring items with Center's logo.

  • 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.

    Three people standing onstage at the Schomburg Center. They are standing up and waiving their hands in the air, appearing to applaud.

  • 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

  • Nellie Mae Rowe: Something From Nothing

    Ongoing
    Online Only
    Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

    Inspired by the premiere of a documentary film honoring the creative spirit of Nellie Mae Rowe, check out this curated selection of…

  • FUNDI: A Legacy of Learning & Liberation

    Through May 1, 2024
    Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

    Celebrating the artistic contributions of the Schomburg Center's Junior Scholars Program.

Events

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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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