
New York, NY 10037
Day | Hours |
---|---|
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 |

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

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

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

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

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.
In the Spotlight
-
Available Now! Special-Edition Schomburg Centennial Library Card
Take home a piece of history with a special-edition library card commemorating 100 years of the Schomburg Center—while supplies last.
-
Discover an All-New Curriculum Series Based on Our Archives
Explore a multi-part curriculum series that introduces middle and high school students to Black history, experience, and culture through our archives and collections. Access seven all-new curriculum guides featuring primary source documents and ready-to-use discussion questions.
-
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.
-
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 them online! Also, explore online exhibitions such as Watercolors Amongst Friends and view past multimedia projects produced by students in our Junior Scholars Program.
-
Space Rentals
Hosting an event? Consider our Langton Hughes Auditorium, Langston Hughes Lobby, American Negro Theatre, or Schomburg Courtyard. Learn more about these spaces.
-
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!
Featured at the Schomburg Center
-
Visit the Schomburg Shop
The Schomburg Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM for in-person shopping. Or, you can shop online.
-
From Our Blog
Read blog posts from the librarians, staff, and fellows at the Schomburg Center.
-
Public Programs
The Schomburg Center advances knowledge of the global Black experience through dynamic programs and exhibitions.
-
Digital Schomburg
Access exhibitions, podcasts, videos, books, digital collections, and more about the global Black experience 24/7.
-
Support the Schomburg Center
Schomburg Society members receive discounts, invitations to exclusive events, and more!
-
In the News
Read news stories featuring interviews with Schomburg Center curators, librarians, and staff.
Current Exhibitions
-
100: A Century of Collections, Community, and Creativity
Through June 30, 2026Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture100: A Century of Collections, Community, and Creativity explores the Schomburg Center’s history through the prism of place,…
-
Nellie Mae Rowe: Something From Nothing
OngoingOnline OnlySchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureInspired by the premiere of a documentary film honoring the creative spirit of Nellie Mae Rowe, check out this curated selection of…
About 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