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 7/4 CLOSED
Tuesday 6/28 10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 6/29 10 AM–6 PM
Thursday 6/30 10 AM–6 PM
Friday 7/1 10 AM–6 PM
Saturday 7/2 CLOSED
Sunday 7/3 CLOSED
Division hours may vary.
2022 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.

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 summer 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. 

Schomburg Center Literary Festival

An illustration of a young girl reading a book
Artwork: Cropped, "Take A Look...The World is Yours", 2019 by Jennifer Mack-Watkins

Our fourth annual Schomburg Center Literary Festival on June 18 continued the Center's long tradition of championing authors of African descent from across the globe and publications that celebrate Black history and culture.

Participating writers included Jason Reynolds (Stunt Boy, Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Patina, Ghost) and Roxane Gay (Hunger, Bad Feminist, Difficult Women), and many more.

Pre-festival programming included “Critical Thought: An Evening of Selected Works by Greg Tate” and “The Black Librarian in America: Reflections, Resistance, and Reawakening.” Both are available to view online. All Literary Festival programs will be available to view at a later date.  Learn more.

Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation is the Lead Sponsor of the Schomburg Center Literary Festival. Major sponsorship support is provided by Corbin Capital Partners, L.P.

Pride Month | Highlighting Black LGBTQ+ Voices

Stormé DeLarverié, in the center of black and white photo, poses with two people in heavy makeup and dresses.

NYPL Digital Image 57567025

June is Pride Month. It’s a terrific time to learn more about the authors, activists, filmmakers, and performers who are part of LGBTQ+ history. See our research guide, Exploring Black LGBTQ Studies in the Schomburg Center's Archive, to find out materials in our collections on activists such as Stormé DeLarverié, Bill Gunn, and Ada “Bricktop” Smith. Learn more.

Black Music Month | Hear Albums by Some of the Artists Featured on Verzuz

A collage featuring artwork from albums by Earth, Wind & Fire, Stephanie Mills, Keith Sweat, On the bottom, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Chaka Khan, Bobby Brown, and The Isley Brothers.

In addition to Pride Month, June is also Black Music Month. Celebrate Verzuz style! In the online series, two legendary artists or groups square off by playing their biggest hits in a virtual battle. Past matchups have included: Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight; Earth, Wind & Fire and The Isley Brothers; Chaka Khan and Stephanie Mills; and Bobby Brown and Keith Sweat.

Our Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division has some of their albums in its collections. Explore the liner notes, artwork, and more. Learn more.

In the Spotlight

Featured at the Schomburg Center

  • Visit the Schomburg Shop

    The Schomburg Shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM for in-person shopping. Or, you can shop online.

    Image of a pink Schomburg tote bag.

  • 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.

    : Activists Sasha Bonet and Tarana Burke are seated in chairs across from each other on stage at the Schomburg Center. There is a small round table between the two women with a copy of Burke’s book, Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement.

  • 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 man sitting at a table reading a book.

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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