Instagram Story Viewer

History lives here. 📚 💫

This summer, The New York Public Library launches a major new initiative exploring 250 years of the United States through exhibitions, public programs, rare historical documents, storytelling projects, and more.

Experience a special display of the Declaration of Independence, discover a new anniversary book list, pick up a special-edition library card, and help document the story of America for future generations.

As a public institution dedicated to democratic access to knowledge—and home to some of the nation’s most significant founding documents—NYPL invites you to join us in reflecting on the past, engaging with the present, and imagining the future.

Tap the link in bio to explore the full lineup.

The Chrysler Building opened to the public #OTD in 1930. ✨

Before it became one of New York City’s most recognizable skyscrapers, artists and architects were already imagining a radically vertical future for the city.

This drawing by Hugh Ferriss captures the Chrysler Building rising over Manhattan during construction. Ferriss became famous for his dramatic renderings of skyscrapers—moody, shadow-filled visions that helped define how people imagined the modern city. His work influenced everything from the 1939 World’s Fair to the visual language of Gotham City in Batman.

Designed by architect William Van Alen, the Chrysler Building briefly became the tallest building in the world, crowned with its now-iconic stainless steel spire and Art Deco eagles inspired by Chrysler hood ornaments.

See this drawing on view in the "Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures" at the historic NYPL flagship building on Fifth Ave.

🎨 Hugh Ferriss (1889–1962) “Chrysler Building” from The Metropolis of Tomorrow New York: Ives Washburn, 1929. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Art & Architecture Collection

The Chrysler Building opened to the public #OTD in 1930. ✨

Before it became one of New York City’s most recognizable skyscrapers, artists and architects were already imagining a radically vertical future for the city.

This drawing by Hugh Ferriss captures the Chrysler Building rising over Manhattan during construction. Ferriss became famous for his dramatic renderings of skyscrapers—moody, shadow-filled visions that helped define how people imagined the modern city. His work influenced everything from the 1939 World’s Fair to the visual language of Gotham City in Batman.

Designed by architect William Van Alen, the Chrysler Building briefly became the tallest building in the world, crowned with its now-iconic stainless steel spire and Art Deco eagles inspired by Chrysler hood ornaments.

See this drawing on view in the "Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures" at the historic NYPL flagship building on Fifth Ave.

🎨 Hugh Ferriss (1889–1962) “Chrysler Building” from The Metropolis of Tomorrow New York: Ives Washburn, 1929. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs, Art & Architecture Collection

We honor the life of tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins (1930–2026). His improvisational genius and experimentation made him one of the giants of jazz music. He is perhaps best known for “St. Thomas,” which is considered a jazz standard.

Schomburg is home to the collection of Sonny Rollins, which documents his life and career from the 1950s to the present. Items include his personal correspondence between Rollins and his wife and manager, Lucille Pearson, diaries, recordings of practice sessions as well as recording takes from as early as the 1960's, photographs, and more. They are available to explore by scheduling a research appointment. #SchomburgCenter #Schomburg100 #SonnyRollins #Jazz #RIPSonnyRollins

Photo: “Sonny Rollins with Art Blakey and Tommy Potter,” 1940 - 1949, Photographs and Prints Division, Sonny Rollins Collections. Digital Collections Image ID: 57231345

Our commitment to the beach, no matter the weather. ⛱️

Memorial Day often marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Even though it's off to a dreary start, We’re already thinking about long afternoons, ocean air, and the perfect summer read.

What’s on your summer reading list?

Please note that all NYPL locations are closed today, May 25.

🌊 Immunities of the sea-side, Date Issued: 1892-10-01. #NYPLDigitalCollections Image ID: 833204

A bookmark worthy of your TBR pile. 📚💫

Inspired by a vintage bookbinding stamp once used on books bound for The New York Public Library, this bookmark is a small tribute to the generations of readers, researchers, and lifelong learners who’ve passed through the Library.

Tap the link in bio for the perfect companion for your next great read.

A bookmark worthy of your TBR pile. 📚💫

Inspired by a vintage bookbinding stamp once used on books bound for The New York Public Library, this bookmark is a small tribute to the generations of readers, researchers, and lifelong learners who’ve passed through the Library.

Tap the link in bio for the perfect companion for your next great read.

#OTD in 1911, NYPL’s iconic 42nd Street building was dedicated by President Taft before it opened to the public for the very first time.

Built on the site of the former Croton Reservoir and designed by architects Carrère and Hastings, the Beaux-Arts landmark quickly became one of New York City’s most recognizable public spaces. Its sweeping marble staircase, towering Corinthian columns, and beloved lion statues have welcomed readers, researchers, and visitors for more than 100 years.

The building’s exterior was designated as a New York City landmark in 1967, with the interior receiving landmark status in 1974.

Tap the link in bio to learn more about the history of the Library’s flagship home.

Gemini season has arrived. ♊️

Represented by twins and ruled by Mercury, Geminis are known for their curiosity, wit, and gift for communication.

Check out these Gemini-inspired finds from the #NYPLDigitalCollections, including zodiac illustrations, constellation charts, celestial diagrams, and vintage astrology ephemera.

Send this post to your the Geminis in your life!

📜 Gemini, [May 23 - May 29], Date Issued: 1938 (Approximate). Image ID: 1641040
📜 Detail of Taurus, Gemini, Orion, Canis minor, Harpa Georgii, Date Issued: 1801. Image ID: 1110490
📜 ABC book zodiac, Date Issued: 1909. Image ID: 836028
📜 Gemini, the Twins, Date Issued: 1850 - 1959 (Approximate). Image ID: 1817435

Gemini season has arrived. ♊️

Represented by twins and ruled by Mercury, Geminis are known for their curiosity, wit, and gift for communication.

Check out these Gemini-inspired finds from the #NYPLDigitalCollections, including zodiac illustrations, constellation charts, celestial diagrams, and vintage astrology ephemera.

Send this post to your the Geminis in your life!

📜 Gemini, [May 23 - May 29], Date Issued: 1938 (Approximate). Image ID: 1641040
📜 Detail of Taurus, Gemini, Orion, Canis minor, Harpa Georgii, Date Issued: 1801. Image ID: 1110490
📜 ABC book zodiac, Date Issued: 1909. Image ID: 836028
📜 Gemini, the Twins, Date Issued: 1850 - 1959 (Approximate). Image ID: 1817435

Gemini season has arrived. ♊️

Represented by twins and ruled by Mercury, Geminis are known for their curiosity, wit, and gift for communication.

Check out these Gemini-inspired finds from the #NYPLDigitalCollections, including zodiac illustrations, constellation charts, celestial diagrams, and vintage astrology ephemera.

Send this post to your the Geminis in your life!

📜 Gemini, [May 23 - May 29], Date Issued: 1938 (Approximate). Image ID: 1641040
📜 Detail of Taurus, Gemini, Orion, Canis minor, Harpa Georgii, Date Issued: 1801. Image ID: 1110490
📜 ABC book zodiac, Date Issued: 1909. Image ID: 836028
📜 Gemini, the Twins, Date Issued: 1850 - 1959 (Approximate). Image ID: 1817435

Gemini season has arrived. ♊️

Represented by twins and ruled by Mercury, Geminis are known for their curiosity, wit, and gift for communication.

Check out these Gemini-inspired finds from the #NYPLDigitalCollections, including zodiac illustrations, constellation charts, celestial diagrams, and vintage astrology ephemera.

Send this post to your the Geminis in your life!

📜 Gemini, [May 23 - May 29], Date Issued: 1938 (Approximate). Image ID: 1641040
📜 Detail of Taurus, Gemini, Orion, Canis minor, Harpa Georgii, Date Issued: 1801. Image ID: 1110490
📜 ABC book zodiac, Date Issued: 1909. Image ID: 836028
📜 Gemini, the Twins, Date Issued: 1850 - 1959 (Approximate). Image ID: 1817435

Our exhibition on Martha Graham is now open! Celebrating the 100th anniversary of @marthagrahamdance, "Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance," curated by @jackferver, traces the arc of Martha Graham’s groundbreaking career, centering her visionary approach to dance as psychological expression.

The exhibition includes materials from the Library for the Performing Arts' Martha Graham archive, as well as costumes and set pieces used in her works.

Click the link in our bio to learn more about the exhibition, and come check it out at the Library for free!

Our exhibition on Martha Graham is now open! Celebrating the 100th anniversary of @marthagrahamdance, "Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance," curated by @jackferver, traces the arc of Martha Graham’s groundbreaking career, centering her visionary approach to dance as psychological expression.

The exhibition includes materials from the Library for the Performing Arts' Martha Graham archive, as well as costumes and set pieces used in her works.

Click the link in our bio to learn more about the exhibition, and come check it out at the Library for free!

Our exhibition on Martha Graham is now open! Celebrating the 100th anniversary of @marthagrahamdance, "Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance," curated by @jackferver, traces the arc of Martha Graham’s groundbreaking career, centering her visionary approach to dance as psychological expression.

The exhibition includes materials from the Library for the Performing Arts' Martha Graham archive, as well as costumes and set pieces used in her works.

Click the link in our bio to learn more about the exhibition, and come check it out at the Library for free!

Our exhibition on Martha Graham is now open! Celebrating the 100th anniversary of @marthagrahamdance, "Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance," curated by @jackferver, traces the arc of Martha Graham’s groundbreaking career, centering her visionary approach to dance as psychological expression.

The exhibition includes materials from the Library for the Performing Arts' Martha Graham archive, as well as costumes and set pieces used in her works.

Click the link in our bio to learn more about the exhibition, and come check it out at the Library for free!

Our exhibition on Martha Graham is now open! Celebrating the 100th anniversary of @marthagrahamdance, "Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance," curated by @jackferver, traces the arc of Martha Graham’s groundbreaking career, centering her visionary approach to dance as psychological expression.

The exhibition includes materials from the Library for the Performing Arts' Martha Graham archive, as well as costumes and set pieces used in her works.

Click the link in our bio to learn more about the exhibition, and come check it out at the Library for free!

Our exhibition on Martha Graham is now open! Celebrating the 100th anniversary of @marthagrahamdance, "Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance," curated by @jackferver, traces the arc of Martha Graham’s groundbreaking career, centering her visionary approach to dance as psychological expression.

The exhibition includes materials from the Library for the Performing Arts' Martha Graham archive, as well as costumes and set pieces used in her works.

Click the link in our bio to learn more about the exhibition, and come check it out at the Library for free!

Beat the heat! Find a cooling center at an NYPL location near you.

Stay cool and safe this summer at the Library. Be sure to check your library's location page for open hours and other important information. NYPL locations are free and open to anyone.

Tap the link in bio to find your nearest Library location.

Beat the heat! Find a cooling center at an NYPL location near you.

Stay cool and safe this summer at the Library. Be sure to check your library's location page for open hours and other important information. NYPL locations are free and open to anyone.

Tap the link in bio to find your nearest Library location.

This summer, New Yorkers are reading “The City We Became” by N.K. Jemisin. 📚🗽

NYPL and @publictheaterny are launching the Big Summer Book Club—the biggest book club in Library history! Join in on a citywide reading experience where New Yorkers read one book together all summer long.

Jemisin's "The City We Became" is a sprawling urban fantasy that brings together characters from all of New York City’s five boroughs.

Starting today through Labor Day, anyone with an NYPL library card can download the e-book or audiobook instantly with no wait. Throughout the summer, Library branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island will host book discussions, giveaways, workshops, and more inspired by the novel.

The Big Summer Book Club will culminate in a special event with N.K. Jemisin and @allofitwnyc at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park this August.

Tap the link in bio to start reading.

The May flowers you were promised. 🪻 😌

Can you identify the flowers currently blooming outside of our flagship Library? Swipe to learn more about these beautiful blooms from our #NYPLDigitalCollections.

Explore more flora, fauna, botanical illustrations, and natural history materials at the Library and in our Digital Collections.

💐 Allium, 1850 - 1959 (Approximate). Image ID: 1576515

The May flowers you were promised. 🪻 😌

Can you identify the flowers currently blooming outside of our flagship Library? Swipe to learn more about these beautiful blooms from our #NYPLDigitalCollections.

Explore more flora, fauna, botanical illustrations, and natural history materials at the Library and in our Digital Collections.

💐 Allium, 1850 - 1959 (Approximate). Image ID: 1576515

The May flowers you were promised. 🪻 😌

Can you identify the flowers currently blooming outside of our flagship Library? Swipe to learn more about these beautiful blooms from our #NYPLDigitalCollections.

Explore more flora, fauna, botanical illustrations, and natural history materials at the Library and in our Digital Collections.

💐 Allium, 1850 - 1959 (Approximate). Image ID: 1576515

The May flowers you were promised. 🪻 😌

Can you identify the flowers currently blooming outside of our flagship Library? Swipe to learn more about these beautiful blooms from our #NYPLDigitalCollections.

Explore more flora, fauna, botanical illustrations, and natural history materials at the Library and in our Digital Collections.

💐 Allium, 1850 - 1959 (Approximate). Image ID: 1576515

Unbox some Ruth Asawa prints with us!

The Library's Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs recently acquired two prints by Japanese American artist Ruth Asawa (1926–2013). Best known for her sculptures, Asawa also created abstract prints inspired by nature, like 'Owl' (1965) and 'Desert Star' (1987).

Join prints curator Madeleine Viljoen as she opens up these beautiful new arrivals, which will be added to the collection and become available to researchers.

Learn more about the Print Collection at the link in our bio.

🖼️ Ruth Asawa, 'Owl' (TAM.1486), 1965; printed by John Rock at Tamarind Lithography Workshop.
🖼️ Ruth Asawa, 'Desert Star' (P.004, Tied-Wire Tree with Asymmetrical Five-Pointed Star in Center Branching to an Enclosed Square), 1987; printed by Tea Lautrec.
📷 Ruth Asawa at her solo exhibition at the San Francisco Arts Commission Capricorn Asunder Gallery, California, 1976. Photo by Bruce Sherman.
🖼️ Artwork @ 2026 Ruth Asawa Lanier, Inc., Courtesy David Zwirner.