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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.

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.

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.