515 Malcolm X Boulevard (135th St and Malcolm X Blvd)
New York, NY 10037
917-275-6975
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Open today
10 AM–6 PM
Regular Hours
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

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 opening of our newest in-person exhibition, The Ways of Langston Hughes: Griff Davis and Black Artists in the Making. It runs through Monday, July 8.

The Schomburg Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5:45 PM. They sell books, clothing, jewelry, and more created by Black and Brown artists for all ages.

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.

Women’s History Month | Explore Black Women Writers in Mr. Schomburg’s Collection

Archival photo and pages of the inside covers of books. Left to right: Annie L. Burton, Pauline Hopkins, and Susie King Taylor

As we continue to celebrate the 150th birthday of our founder Arturo Schomburg, discover some of the powerful Black women writers who are part of his personal collection of books.

Mr. Schomburg (1874-1938) sold his initial collection of materials to The New York Public Library in 1926. They became the cornerstone of our archives, which hold over 11 million items. Learn more.  

Winter/Spring 2024 Public Programs

Against a black background with white smoke, the words Women's Jazz Festival 2024. The dates March 4, 18, and 25 are listed.

Coming up:
Monday, March 18 | 7 PM | Schomburg Center
Women's Jazz Festival 2024: The Original Pinettes Brass Band

Monday, March 25 | 7 PM | Schomburg Center
Women's Jazz Festival 2024: Melvis Santa & Jazz Orishas

**Tickets to our Women's Jazz Festival are 2-for-1. Offer ends March 19.***

Plus, our 12th annual Black Comic Book Festival returns Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27. View full schedule.

PUMA North America and Schomburg Center Announce Multi-Year Collaboration to Enrich Communities

A collage of four photographs showing PUMA North America and Schomburg Center designed shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and sneakers.

Global sports brand PUMA and the Schomburg Center recently announced a multi-year collaboration which includes a collection inspired by the Schomburg Center that dropped on February 19. The theme, "Deeply Rooted," pays homage to the Center's nearly 100-year legacy as a research library and the co-branded collection blends classic PUMA styles inspired by art objects from the Schomburg Center's expansive collection. Learn more.

NYPL Update: Countee Cullen Pop-Up Library at Schomburg

Seating at Countee Cullen Pop-Up Library at the Schomburg Center.

The Schomburg Center is temporarily offering limited branch library services to accommodate patrons during the renovation of Countee Cullen Library next door. Holds can be picked up in the Landmark Wing of the Schomburg Center’s Exhibition Gallery by selecting “Countee Cullen Pop-Up” as the pickup location. Patrons can also browse books and use laptops and public seating in the gallery. Join us from 11 AM–5:45 PM, Tuesday–Saturday! 

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.

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