515 Malcolm X Boulevard (135th St and Malcolm X Blvd)
New York, NY 10037
917-275-6975
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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
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2024 Holiday Closings
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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.

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 fall 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.

Exhibition Opening & Program, Aug 2 at 12 PM | JIMMY! God’s Black Revolutionary Mouth

Left: A black and white photo of James Baldwin in partial profile. He is wearing a hat and shearling coat. Right: James Baldwin is holding a newspaper. Medgar Evers, who seated behind him, is partially leaned over Baldwin’s shoulder to also read the newspaper.
Left: James Baldwin (1963), Right: James Baldwin with Medgar Evers (1963)

Photo: Steve Shapiro; Prints and Photographs Division, Schomburg Center for Black Culture, The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations

The Schomburg Center is home to the archives of James Baldwin. On public display for the first time, we proudly present selections from the James Baldwin Papers that highlight his literary career and legacy from childhood to death, along with items from other research collections that illuminate the passion, brilliance, and courageous spirit of James “Jimmy” Baldwin. Join us for the reception and public program following the opening. This exhibition is part of The New York Public Library’s system-wide celebration of James Baldwin's 100th birthday. Learn more.

Plus, learn more about NYPL’s special exhibitions, free programs for all ages, book giveaways, and more in honor of James Baldwin’s centennial birthday.  

Exhibition Opening & Program, Aug 9 at 5 PM | Visibility & Resistance: New Acquisitions of Contemporary Afro-Mexican Photography

Against a burgundy background, the words Visibility and Resistance, New Acquisitions of Contemporary Afro-Mexican Photography are written in Spanish and English. On the right side, there is a person with their back, the upper portion of which is covered in blue body paint, to the camera.

Photography by Koral Carballo. Prints and Photographs Division, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations.

Visibility & Resistance highlights the Schomburg Center's recent acquisition of contemporary Afro-Mexican photography by Hugo Arellanes (Costa Chica), Toumani Camara (Mexico City), Koral Carballo (Veracruz), and Dolores Mendel (Veracruz). This exhibition foregrounds the voices and vision of a multiplicity of Afro-descendent identities as the photographers examine self-representation, highlight the presence of African cultural traditions, meditate on the (dis)connection to place, and critique the ongoing effects of slavery and systemic racism. All four photographers will be in conversation with opening remarks by Dr. Dalila Scruggs, exhibition curator. Learn more. 

Everything to Explore at the Schomburg Center This Summer

Against a gradient background of sky blue to teal, the words Summer at the Schomburg Center 2024 in white and dark blue lettering. 2024 is in white lettering on the right. The words Summer At The Schomburg Center and the Schomburg Center logo are on the left side.

From new acquisitions and a new finding aid to a schedule of all-new programs and exhibitions, see everything you should explore this summer at the Schomburg Center. Learn more. 

Apply Now! Online Applications Open for Junior Scholars Program

Against a lime green background, the words Junior Scholars Program is in dark blue lettering. Below are the words, Priority Application Deadline: Sunday, July 28 in white lettering.

Online applications are open for the Schomburg Center Junior Scholars Program, a free Saturday in-person program  that runs during the academic year. Youth from grades 5 through 12 are eligible to participate. Priority deadline is Sunday, July 28. Final deadline is Wednesday, August 28. Learn more. 

In the Spotlight

  • New! Free Digital Guide on Bloomberg Connects

    Download Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app, to explore the Schomburg Center on your mobile device.

    Exterior of the Schomburg Center.

  • Explore Past Schomburg Center Exhibitions and Multimedia Projects

    If you missed past in person exhibitions such as Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration, you can see it online. Also, explore online exhibitions such as Watercolors Amongst Friends and view past multimedia projects produced by students in our Junior Scholars Program.

    People are looking at a wall which has artwork.

  • Space Rentals

    Hosting an event? Consider our Langton Hughes Auditorium, Langston Hughes Lobby, American Negro Theatre, or Schomburg Courtyard. Learn more about these spaces.

    Circle-shaped tables covered with blue tablecloths and chairs are arranged in the Langston Hughes Lobby. Along the left side is a rectuangular shaped table that has glasses on top. It is covered with a blue table cloth.

  • Get Updates from the Schomburg Center

    Sign up for our bi-monthly e-newsletter, Schomburg Connection. Get updates and information on our upcoming programs, exhibitions, research guides, blogs, and more!

    Symbol of an unread email in a rust color.

Featured at the Schomburg Center

  • Visit the Schomburg Shop

    The Schomburg Shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 6 PM for in-person shopping. Or, you can shop online.

    Interior view of the Schomburg Shop. There are books on short and tall shelves. In the lower left corner, a partial view of clothing rank featuring items with Center's logo.

  • From Our Blog

    Read blog posts from the librarians, staff, and fellows at the Schomburg Center.

    : A black and white illustration of a female of color wearing a white cocktail dress with a black flower at her hip and a hoop earring posed against the railing of a balcony. The words “Opportunity: Journal of Negro Life is at the top of the image. The words “July 1926” are on the left side.

  • Public Programs

    The Schomburg Center advances knowledge of the global Black experience through dynamic programs and exhibitions.

    Three people standing onstage at the Schomburg Center. They are standing up and waiving their hands in the air, appearing to applaud.

  • Digital Schomburg

    Access exhibitions, podcasts, videos, books, images, and more about the global Black experience 24/7.

    Collage of photographs and artworks from the Schomburg Center's Digital Collections.

  • Support the Schomburg Center

    Schomburg Society members receive discounts, invitations to exclusive events, and more!

    Photograph of the Schomburg Center's exterior facade

  • In the News

    Read news stories featuring interviews with Schomburg Center curators, librarians, and staff.

    A male sitting in profile reading a newspaper

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.

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