The Morgan Library and Museum

Only a five minute walk from the Empire State Building, the Morgan Library is a wonderful example of the opulence of early 20th century bankers. The Morgan Library was founded by J.P. Morgan as a private library in 1906. He used it for his growing collection of manuscripts, rare books, old master drawings and other collectors items. In 1926, eleven years after his death, the institution was turned over to the public and turned into a museum accessible both to researchers and to the general public. The Morgan Library resembles a palace more than a library, and was built by Charles McKim of McKim, Mead & White, the most celebrate New York architectural firm of the time. In spite of appearances, this was not the Morgan residence. J.P. Morgan lived next door, in a brownstone on 36th and Madison.

Today, the library hosts temporary exhibitions that draw from their large collections. There are usually around four exhibitions at the same time, hosted in different sections of the museum. J.P. Morgan’s study and library, also known as the McKim rooms because they were decorated by Charles McKim, remain as they were a century ago and do not host any exhibitions but are worth visiting nonetheless. In addition to the exhibitions, there are also public programs, movie screenings, concerts and other events that take place on a regular basis. For more information about upcoming events and exhibitions, visit their website.

Location:

225 Madison Ave at 36th Street
New York, NY 10016

Hours:

Tuesday through Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission:

$12 Adults
$8 Children (under 16)
$8 Seniors (65 and over)
$8 Students (with current ID)
Admission is free on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission to the McKim rooms is without charge during the following times: Tuesday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m to 6 p.m.