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New York Public Library & Bryant Park

476 5th Avenue, New York, New York

Description

The New York Public Library main branch is a marble building designed in Beaux Arts style and opened in 1911. It is known for its 23x90m reading room (the largest in the world at the time), the Astor Hall staircase and the McGraw Rotunda. It has also started holding a permanent exhibition with material drawn from is research collection. The 4ha Bryant Park borders the library's main branch building and is named after abolitionist and journalist William Cullen Bryant. It has shaded walkways, a lawn with impressive views over the surrounding skyscrapers, several statues, memorials, and a carousel.

Access & Transport

The sights are located in Midtown Manhattan, roughly equidistant from the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Center. There are 2 underground stations next to it: 5 Av (7) and '42 St-Bryant Park' (B,D,F,M) with 'Times Sq - 42 St' (N, Q, R, W, S, 7) one block away

Instructions & Recommendations

There are also docent led tours of the building and the Rose Main Reading Room. Details available here: https://www.nypl.org/events/tours/schwarzman

Meta review

Very positive online reviews for the library which isn't always mentioned in travel guides. Interestingly, there are opposite expectations among visitors: some did not realize there was a free access and some exhibits to be seen and others thought one can just barge in the main reading room (Rose) and take pictures - no, one needs to go there to study or do research but there are docent led tours available a couple of times a day and you can go and spend 30mins reading and enjoy the room and halls. As for the 'Treasures' exhibit, it gets the thumbs up for being free and showcasing the original Winnie the Pooh! Bryant Park is described as a nice spot with to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Midtown, enjoying the shade (in the summer, presumably). However, there are some visitors who acknowledge the space is nice and clean but nothing special beyond that.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Preserves an architectural & artistic heritage + provides appropriate research and studying environment to the community

Conclusion

We would highly recommend bibliophiles and even art lovers to schedule a docent-led tour of the NYPL main branch and enjoy the free permanent exhibition. A good place to do some reading, work (no phone calls) and research with a nice coffee break taking in the various sculptures and skyline of Bryant Park.

Key positive

Spectacular Rose reading room

Interesting and free Treasures exhibit

Well maintained and conveniently located park

Key negative

None

Suitability

No restrictions. Touring the library is probably best done without younger children

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Bryant Park is open 24/7

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 20m

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 18:00

Tuesday10:00 - 20:00

Wednesday10:00 - 20:00

Thursday10:00 - 18:00

Friday10:00 - 18:00

Saturday10:00 - 18:00

Sunday13:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Free

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