For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library has collected, preserved, and made accessible the world’s knowledge. Now, for the first time, the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures showcases some of the most extraordinary items from the 56 million in our collections, inspiring and empowering visitors to discover, learn, and create new knowledge—today and in the years ahead.

The treasures in this exhibition tell the stories of people, places, and moments spanning 4,000 years—from the emergence of the written word through to the present day. Visitors will encounter manuscripts, artworks, letters, still and moving images, recordings, and more that bring vividly to life voices of the past. While the Library’s collections have always been available for public use, the Polonsky Exhibition builds on our 125-year legacy by offering a unique opportunity to make new connections and expand our understanding of the world and each other—so that together we can shape a better future.

Reserve your tickets, plan your visit, and explore the free Treasures Audio Guide.

Special Thanks:

  • Victor Chu, Director—Sky Tech One
  • Justin Namon, FPV Drone Pilot
  • Rob McEnaney, FPV Drone Technician

  • Audio Guide in English

    Discover highlights of the Polonsky Exhibition with the free Treasures Audio Guide, accessible onsite or from anywhere on mobile devices. Don’t forget your headphones! The audio guide in English is hosted by actress, playwright, and Library Lion Anna Deavere Smith.

    Listen Now

  • Audioguía en español

    La Audioguía Treasures ofrece un análisis experto por parte de curadores e invitados especiales de algunos de los muchos aspectos más destacados de la Exhibición Polonsky. La audioguía en español es presentada por el novelista, periodista y productor de radio Daniel Alarcón.

    Escuche ahora

  • Audio Guide in English with Verbal Descriptions

    The Treasures Audio Guide is available with verbal descriptions of each of the highlights featured followed by interpretive commentary hosted by actress, playwright, and Library Lion Anna Deavere Smith.

    Listen Now

In the Spotlight: Exhibition Highlights

A black and white photograph of a Black man and woman. The man is in the foreground holding a saxophone in his lap with his right fist resting in front of his face. The woman is in the background in less clear focus
Portrait of John and Alice Coltrane by Chuck Stewart, 1966.
Close-up of the top half of a creased, handwritten page that reads: A Declaration of the Representatives of the United States of America in General Congress assembled.
Thomas Jefferson, fair copy of the Declaration of Independence, 1776, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library.
A painted portrait of a white woman who sits slightly at an angle while looking over her right shoulder
Portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797), John Keenan (fl. 1791–1815), 1804, after ca. 1797 portrait by John Opie (1761–1807)
Photo of two bronze busts positioned on columns: one of a Black man, the other of a Black woman, both gazing off into the distance
Vénus africaine and Saïd Abdullah by Charles Henri Joseph Cordier, 1852
A sepia photograph of a young woman dressed in Indian garb. Her left hand rests on her hip and her right elbow rests atop a plush chair with a high back
Darogha Ubbas Alli, Juddan Dancing Girl from Beauties of Lucknow, Calcutta, 1874
An old yellowed piece of paper with light script running across the page
Bill of Rights, United States Congress (New York), 1789
Two cylinders sitting within a brown background. The cylinder on the left is solid brown, and the one on the right is slightly lighter and larger with the image of a man's face on it
Lionel Mapleson (1865–1937), Early opera recordings on wax cylinders, 1900–1904
Colorful poster of a woman in theatrical garb, with a cape and a sword in a hilt, set against an ornate background
Alphonse Mucha (1860–1939), Poster for the Thêàtre de Sarah Bernhardt production of Tragique Histoire d’Hamlet, Prince de Danemark - Sarah Bernhardt, 1899
Close-up of a large book opened to a page featuring two columns of decorated text and gothic type, with hand-written notes in the margins.
Johannes Gutenberg, Biblia Latina, 1455, Rare Books Division, The New York Public Library.
Detail of frontispiece of Shakespeare's portfolio showing an engraving of the author in 17th-century dress. Above it reads: Published according to the true original copies.
William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies. Published according to the True Originall Copies
London: Isaac Jaggard and Edward Blount, 1623
Original stuffed animals Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Kanga, Piglet, and Tigger
Winnie-the-Pooh and Friends, ca. 1921

    • Featured: NYC Treasures with Gothamist

    Discover a selection of highlights from the Polonsky Exhibition that represent our very own hometown: New York City. Every weekday in September, our friends at Gothamist are spotlighting an NYC-themed object featured in the exhibition.

    Learn More

    • Shop the Library

      Celebrate the Library’s vast collections with a variety of books and gifts inspired by the Polonsky Exhibition. All purchases help support the important work of the Library. Show your timed ticket at The New York Public Library Shop to receive a one-time 10% discount off your purchase.

      Shop Now

    • Bring the Exhibition Home

      This beautifully illustrated companion volume showcases the breadth and depth of the Library’s collections, and gives visitors from around the world an opportunity to take home and enjoy these extraordinary items for years to come.

      Get the Book

    Research at the Library

    With our expansive historic collections, expert librarians, and a variety of fellowships and learning opportunities available, The New York Public Library is an invaluable resource for writers, scholars, students, and creators worldwide.

    Start Your Research

    • Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

      The New York Public Library’s flagship location, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is renowned for its extraordinary historical collections and its commitment to providing free and equal access to its resources.

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    • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

      The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem is a world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.

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    • The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

      The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts houses one of the world's most extensive research collections in the fields of theatre, film, dance, music, and recorded sound, as well as a wide array of circulating and reference materials.

      Learn More

    • Get a Library Card

      Sign up for a library card for free online today! Access everything the Library has to offer, from free one-on-one online tutoring to e-books, with your library card.

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    • Stay Connected

      Sign up for our free e-newsletters to be the first to know about event registration, the release of new timed tickets, new library services, and more!

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    • Support the Library

      Our collections, programs, and resources are made freely available to New Yorkers thanks to contributions from supporters like you. Become a member today and enjoy exclusive benefits, including special access to the Polonsky Exhibition, behind-the-scenes access to our collections, and more.

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    Select photography by Robert Kato.