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The New York Public Library welcomes you to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. This library has symbolized the democratic ideal of free and open access to knowledge since it opened to the public in 1911. Today, the building welcomes millions of visitors a year from across the world who find inspiration in its majestic public spaces, unparalleled research collections, and vibrant programs and exhibitions. Learn more about the building and its history.
Start Your Journey at the Library’s Visitor Center
Discover the Library’s legacy and collections through interactive exhibits and more in this new public space.
Free Audio Tour & Digital Guide
Take a self-guided tour on your mobile device to explore the history, architecture, and services offered at our Fifth Avenue locations—as well as what makes the Library a beacon of knowledge for all. Discover the full tour—available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and with verbal descriptions—on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app, or online.
Getting Started with Research?
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is one of the New York Public Library’s leading research centers, along with the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, the Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, and the Thomas Yoseloff Business Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL). The Schwarzman Building provides access to world-renowned collections in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts for use in person or online. Learn all about how to conduct research at the Library:
Any questions? Contact us!
Behind the Scenes: Milstein Research Stacks
If you stop by Bryant Park, located directly behind the Schwarzman Building, take a moment to imagine a massive treasure trove hidden directly underground—millions of items from the Library’s extensive collections! Click through to learn all about the Milstein Research Stacks, a two-level, subterranean, state-of-the-art preservation environment that allows the Library to hold more than 4 million books and archival materials on site at the Schwarzman Building.
What to See & Do at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
From world-renowned collections to a wide array of programs, exhibitions, and more, we welcome you to explore all that the Library has to offer.
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Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures
VisitDiscover some of the most extraordinary items from the Library’s world-renowned collections, representing stories of people, places, and moments that span 4,000 years—from the emergence of the written word through to the present day.
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Treasures Audio Guide
ListenDive deeper into exhibition highlights with the free Treasures Audio Guide, hosted in English by actress, playwright, and Library Lion Anna Deavere Smith; in Spanish by novelist, journalist, and radio producer Daniel Alarcón; and in Mandarin by filmmaker Chloé Zhao. The guide is also available in English with verbal descriptions of each object.
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Class Visits to the Polonsky Exhibition
Learn MorePlan a field trip for a guided tour of some of the Library's greatest treasures. Students will be introduced to the history of The New York Public Library and some of the most extraordinary items in our collections.
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LIVE from NYPL
AttendThe New York Public Library’s premier cultural series brings together distinguished writers, artists, and scholars for conversations and performances.
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Library Shop & Café
VisitFind eclectic items for bibliophiles and literature lovers of all ages, and enjoy coffee and bites from Amy’s Bread at the Library Shop & Café.
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More Programs & Events
ExploreJoin us at the Schwarzman Building for a wide array of artist talks, readings, lectures, and more.
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Docent-Led Building Tours
Learn MoreThe Library’s docent-led tours are an excellent way to see highlights of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, and the only way to get group access to many of the building's must-see spaces.
Looking to Borrow Books? Visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)
Just across the street, you’ll find our largest lending library, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), where you can get a library card, browse books to borrow and take home, visit our dedicated centers for kids and teens, and more.
Prepare for Your Visit
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Address
476 Fifth Avenue (at 42nd Street), New York, NY 10018
Enter the building via the main entrance on Fifth Avenue, or the accessible entrances at 40th Street and 42nd Street.
See Building Hours | Download a Map
By Subway
- B/D/F/M/7 train to 42 Street–Bryant Park/Fifth Avenue
- 1/2/3/N/Q/R/W train to Times Square–42 Street
- 4/5/6 train to Grand Central–42 Street
By Bus
M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, M42, and M55 buses all stop outside or near the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
Building Accessibility
The New York Public Library strives to ensure that everyone has access to the full range of information, services, and programs that are offered at the Library. Learn more.
All public service units of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building are wheelchair accessible. A ramp entrance to the building is located at 42nd Street, and a street-level accessible entrance is available at 40th Street. All levels of the building are accessible by an elevator at the north end of the building.
If you require an additional accommodation on site, please speak to a staff member. For more information or for an accommodation, please email accessibility@nypl.org. To learn more about the accessibility of NYPL websites and mobile applications, see our Web & Mobile Accessibility Policy.
On Arrival
- Enter the building via the main entrance on Fifth Avenue, or the accessible entrances at 40th Street and 42nd Street.
- Head to the Visitor Center, where you can check your belongings and learn more about the Library.
- Please note that any large bags, luggage, and other oversized items must be checked. See note regarding size restrictions below in “What Not to Bring.”
- Umbrellas must be checked or placed inside your bag or in the protective plastic bags provided by the Library.
- We encourage visitors to check their coats and other outerwear.
- You are welcome to photograph the historic interiors of this historic Beaux-Arts building, but we ask that you remember that it is a working research library and that you refrain from using a flash and taking photos of researchers.
- Upon exiting the building, all Library visitors must submit all books, bags, briefcases, and other containers for inspection, including those that were checked during your visit.
- Please note that last entry to the building is 15 minutes before closure. See building hours.
What to Bring With You
- Mask for your safety—masks are strongly recommended during your visit.
- Headphones to enjoy the building audio tour and Treasures Exhibition audio guide.
What Not to Bring
- Visitors are not permitted to bring any beverages, liquids, water bottles, or food into the Library.
- Carts, large bags, bags on wheels, backpacks, or collections of bags that are larger than 24” x 16” x 10” are not permitted to enter the Library and will not be admitted to the bag check.
- Read our general building regulations in full.
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SupportThe New York Public Library depends on support from individuals like you to provide our essential services. Help us continue this work by donating today. Become a Friend of the Library and receive discounts and other benefits.
