Looking for something fun and educational in New York City? The Morgan Library & Museum was once the private library of financier Pierpont Morgan. This blog will guide you through planning your visit, exploring current exhibitions, and enjoying the permanent collection.
Get ready to be amazed!
Planning Your Visit
Plan your visit by checking the hours of operation and obtaining ticket information.
Hours of Operation
The Morgan Library & Museum opens its doors to visitors from 10:30 AM to 5 PM on Tuesdays through Thursdays. On Fridays, the museum extends its hours until 7 PM, allowing more time for guests to explore.
Saturdays see the museum open from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sundays from 11 AM to 6 PM. It remains closed on Mondays, as well as on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Ticket InformationPlan your visit to the Morgan Library & Museum around our operational hours for a seamless experience.
After confirming the museum’s hours, visitors subsequently investigate ticket specifics. General entry to the Morgan Library & Museum is priced at $25 for adults. Seniors have the benefit of a discounted rate of $17, while students can gain entry for a mere $13.
This cost offers access to all exhibits, encompassing temporary and permanent collections. Complimentary admission is available on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., rendering it a prime time for budget-aware tourists and locals alike to discover the extensive art and literature collections.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum’s entrance in New York City’s Murray Hill neighborhood, conveniently located near major transit centers like Grand Central and Penn Station.
Children below 12 years old gain entrance free of charge, enabling families to experience the cultural jewels collectively without additional expenses. Discounted rates are available for groups of ten or more, offering a cost-effective solution for school excursions and larger groups ready to immerse themselves into New York City’s deep-rooted history and artistic tradition exhibited within this renowned establishment.
Highlights of Current Exhibitions
The current exhibitions at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York showcase a diverse range of artistic and literary works. From “Walton Ford: Birds and Beasts of the Studio” to “Liberty to the Imagination: Drawings from the Eveillard Gift,” visitors can immerse themselves in a captivating mix of contemporary art and historical treasures.
“Walton Ford: Birds and Beasts of the Studio”Walton Ford’s exhibition, “Birds and Beasts of the Studio”, draws visitors into a vivid world. His work mixes historic art styles with modern themes. Each painting tells a story using animals as symbols.
Ford creates large-scale watercolors that explore tales of exploration, environmentalism, and political commentary. This unique blend captures the attention of both art lovers and those keen on social issues.
Next up is “Liberty to the Imagination: Drawings from the Eveillard Gift”.
“Liberty to the Imagination: Drawings from the Eveillard Gift”
The next compelling exhibition is “Liberty to the Imagination: Drawings from the Eveillard Gift,” featuring a selection of drawings from esteemed collector Jean Bonna. The exhibit showcases over 100 European drawings, including works by artists such as Tiepolo, Fragonard, and Ingres.
This exceptional collection spans distinctive periods in art history, from the Renaissance to the 19th century and emphasizes individual artistic expression.
The ‘Liberty to the Imagination’ exhibition provides a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the diverse and captivating world of European drawings. It offers a unique insight into the evolution of artistic styles over centuries.
Permanent Collection Features
The Morgan Library & Museum houses a remarkable permanent collection featuring historical artifacts, rare books, and manuscripts. It showcases an array of fine art and music that captivates visitors with its rich cultural and historical significance.
Historical Artifacts
The Morgan Library & Museum’s collection includes historical artifacts dating from 4000 BC to the twenty-first century. Amidst its 350,000 objects, visitors can find a diverse array of artifacts encompassing various eras and cultures.
Notable among them are three Gutenberg Bibles, making this museum the sole possessor of such a substantial collection worldwide.
Explore Rare Books and Manuscripts in the next section to uncover more fascinating collections at The Morgan Library & Museum.
Rare Books and Manuscripts
The Morgan Library & Museum’s rare books and manuscripts collection is extensive, encompassing over 1,000 European medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. Notably, the library includes the original handwritten manuscript of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and three Gutenberg Bibles.
Visitors can explore these valuable pieces within the museum’s historical building in New York City.
The rare books and manuscript collection at the Morgan Library & Museum spans various centuries, including a significant number of autographed letters from notable figures such as Charlotte Bronte and Lord Byron.
Also, it houses an array of illuminated manuscripts from Europe dating back to the Middle Ages.
Special Features
The Morgan Library & Museum in New York offers an architectural tour of its historic buildings and provides access to its renowned research library. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as taking a food tour of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, New York.
Architectural Tour of the Morgan Buildings
The architectural tour of the Morgan Buildings provides a unique insight into the historical and cultural significance of this iconic institution. Visitors can explore the following aspects during the tour:
- Historical Significance: The architectural tour explores the rich history of the buildings, which were completed in 1906 as the private library of banker J. P. Morgan. The tour guides provide intriguing details about the building’s construction and its transformation into a museum and research library.
- Architectural Features: Visitors get to observe and learn about the intricate architectural details that adorn the building, including its grand facades, ornate interiors, and exquisite craftsmanship that reflect various periods of art and design.
- Exclusive Access: The tour offers access to areas not typically open to the public, such as behind-the-scenes spaces, hidden architectural gems, and special viewpoints that provide a deeper understanding of the building’s architecture.
- Preservation Efforts: Visitors gain insights into ongoing preservation efforts undertaken by the museum to maintain and restore the historical integrity of the buildings, showcasing how they have been carefully preserved for future generations.
- Cultural Context: Guides share anecdotes about significant events and individuals associated with these buildings, placing them within their broader cultural context and offering a glimpse into New York City’s vibrant history.
- Interactive Experience: The tour is crafted to be an interactive experience, allowing visitors to engage with knowledgeable guides who can answer questions related to architecture, preservation methods, and specific design elements of the buildings.
- Architectural Influence: The tour explains how these iconic structures have influenced other architectural endeavors in New York City while also highlighting their unique place in shaping architectural trends globally.
Discovering the architectural marvels at The Morgan Buildings enriches one’s appreciation for its rich history before exploring nearby Arthur Avenue in Bronx for a food tour that perfectly complements this cultural immersion experience in New York City.
Research Library Access
The Morgan Library & Museum’s Research Library is open to the public and provides access to over 1.3 million works, including manuscripts, rare books, musical scores, and drawings ranging from ancient times to the present day.
Scholars, students, and visitors can explore its collection by making an appointment in advance or accessing a selection of digital resources online. The library also offers regular guided tours focusing on specific themes or individual items within the collection for those interested in delving deeper into its vast literary and historical treasures.
Visitor Amenities
Discover the diverse offerings at the Morgan Shop and savor delectable dining options, including a food tour of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Explore nearby amenities for an enriching outing beyond the museum’s walls.
The Morgan Shop
The Morgan Shop offers a diverse selection of items inspired by the museum’s collection, including stationery, jewelry, and home decor. Visitors can find unique gifts such as art prints, books, and reproductions of objects from the museum’s exhibitions.
The shop also provides an assortment of children’s books and toys for young visitors to enjoy.
Dining Options
The Morgan Library & Museum offers an exceptional dining experience with its on-site restaurant and cafe. Guests can delight in a range of culinary options, including:
- The Morgan Dining Room provides an ideal setting for a relaxed meal, featuring gourmet dishes crafted under the direction of acclaimed chef Jason Hicks.
- Visitors can also enjoy light bites and beverages at the Morgan Cafe, which offers a more laid-back ambiance for guests to relax and rejuvenate.
- Both dining venues emphasize premium, fresh ingredients and demonstrate the culinary expertise characteristic of the culturally rich Murray Hill neighborhood. Following an exploration of the museum’s extensive exhibits, patrons can savor delicious cuisine right within its historic confines.
Next, let’s explore “Discovering Nearby: Enjoying a Food Tour of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, New York”.
Exploring Nearby: Take a Food Tour of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, New York
After savoring the dining options at The Morgan, consider taking a food tour of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, New York.
- Known as the “Real Little Italy,” Arthur Avenue offers an authentic Italian culinary experience dating back to the 19th century.
- Delight your taste buds with fresh mozzarella, hand-rolled cigars, and delectable pastries at local family-owned businesses that have been thriving for generations.
- Stroll through the vibrant marketplaces and explore an array of specialty shops featuring imported olive oils, cheeses, meats, and traditional Italian ingredients.
- Discover renowned eateries serving up classic Italian dishes such as pasta, cannoli, and espresso in an old-world atmosphere.
- Immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying a guided food tour that brings history and flavors to life.
Conclusion
The Morgan Library & Museum in New York offers a rich cultural experience for visitors interested in art, literature, and history. With its extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and historical artifacts, the museum is a destination worth visiting for anyone exploring New York City’s artistic offerings.
From temporary exhibitions to architectural tours, there is something for everyone at this unique institution. Be sure to immerse yourself in the world of fine art and music at the heart of New York City.