General
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is the flagship building of the New York Public Library system, located at 476 Fifth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan. It serves as a premier research center with world-renowned collections in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts.

Architectural Highlights

• Beaux-Arts Style: The building's iconic Beaux-Arts facade, designed by architects Carrère and Hastings, features ornate marble detailing and is flanked by two famous stone lion sculptures.

• Main Reading Room: The breathtaking Rose Main Reading Room spans 297 feet long, with a 52-foot-high ceiling and iconic windows overlooking Bryant Park.

• Other Spaces: Notable interior spaces include the Astor Hall, McGraw Rotunda, Public Catalog Room, and various reading rooms and exhibition galleries.

Collections and Research

• Holdings: The library houses approximately 2.5 million volumes in its stacks, including rare books, manuscripts, maps, and other research materials.

• Divisions: The building contains nine specialized research divisions, such as the Manuscripts and Archives Division and the Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division.

• Access: Researchers and visitors can access the collections on-site or through online resources and databases.

Exhibitions and Programs

• Polonsky Exhibition: The permanent exhibition showcases treasures from the library's collections, including rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts.

• Visitor Center: Interactive exhibits and a free audio tour provide an introduction to the library's history and collections.

• Events: The building hosts a variety of public programs, lectures, and cultural events throughout the year.

Visiting Information

• Hours: Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM (closed Sundays and Mondays).

• Admission: Free to enter and explore the public spaces, exhibitions, and use research collections.

• Accessibility: The building is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramp entrances and elevators.