515 Malcolm X Boulevard (135th St and Malcolm X Blvd)
New York, NY 10037
917-275-6975
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Monday 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–6 PM
Thursday 10 AM–6 PM
Friday 10 AM–6 PM
Saturday 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday CLOSED
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

The Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division will be closed on Saturday, June 14. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Online applications are open for the 2025–2026 class of our Junior Scholars Program. The priority deadline is Sunday, June 15. The final deadline is Monday, June 30. 

Our 13th Annual Black Comic Book Festival will be part of our Centennial Festival on June 14. 

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.

Explore Black LGBTQ+ Studies in Our Archives

Left to right: Buttons in support of LGBTQ+ rights, mid-length of James Baldwin, full-length photo of Ada “Bricktop” Smith, and full-length photo of Stormé DeLarverié

Digital Collections Images: ps_mss_873, 58835927, 1699937, and 58660966

Explore our research guide highlighting collections devoted to LGBTQ+ Studies. Our collection materials include the personal papers of writer James Baldwin, jazz singer Ada “Bricktop” Smith, and entertainer Stormé DeLarverié—widely believed to have sparked the Stonewall Uprising—and more. Read more

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

Against a purple background, the number 100 is written as three digits. The first showing a woman dancing. June 14, 2025 is listed in the top right-hand corner. Schomburg Centennial Festival listed toward the bottom with Schomburg Centennial logo.

Join us for our Centennial Festival on June 14. See our 2025 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

35 Years Later: A Look Back at ‘Nelson Mandela Week’ in NYC Through Our Collections

Left: A mid-length photo of Nelson Mandela and David Dinkins Right: Nelson Mandela in partial profile. He is shaking hands with Harry Belafonte and standing near Charles Rangel.

Chester Higgins and Harry Belafonte Photo collections

Through the collections of actor, singer, and producer Harry Belafonte, photographers Kwame Brathwaite and Chester Higgins, and tennis legend Arthur Ashe, take a look back at the Nelson Mandela’s historic 1990 trip to New York City and gain deeper insight on the anti-Apartheid movement from the perspectives of some of the activists who have collections here. Read more

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

Gallery walls and display cases displaying Schomburg Center collection items.

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. 

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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