Construction started on the Beaux Arts building in 1901 and finished on 1911, leaving NYC with a world-famous library. Guarded in the front by a duel pair of lions, Patience and Fortitude, it’s one of the city’s best free attractions. We recommend catching the free tour offered by the library every day which will walk you through the highlights of the library and explain its history on an hour long tour. Don’t miss the Rose Main Reading Room which is one of the prettiest spaces in which to work in the world or the Map room that has maps dating from the 16th century to the present. The library houses millions of manuscripts, some of the most famous in the world. Coming soon a permanent exhibit will showcase the library’s highlights in rotation, including a Guggenheim Bible and original copy of the Declaration of Independence.
To catch the tour meet in Astor Hall. Go to the information desk and ask to be included in the tour (it’s first come first serve and they’ll give you a sticker). We recommend you do not come on Sunday as many of the rooms are closed.
Tour times:
- 11am and 2pm Mon – Sat
- 2pm Sunday