Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Tours
The Library’s docent-led tours are an excellent way to see highlights of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, and the only way to get group access to many of the Library’s must-see spaces.
Unauthorized tours are not permitted. Unauthorized tours include any tours that are not led by an official docent of The New York Public Library.
Building Tours
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Tours
Monday–Saturday | 11 AM and 2 PM
Free one-hour tours of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building begin at 11 AM and 2 PM Monday through Saturday. Book tickets online to join one of our building tours. Tickets are released every Sunday for the week ahead. Meet your docent in the Visitor Center at the appointed time for this one-hour guided tour highlighting the history, architecture, and collections of this magnificent Beaux-Arts building—including the historic Rose Main Reading Room.
This 60-minute tour is free and limited to the first 20 people who reserve tickets online.
Rose Main Reading Room Tours
Monday–Saturday | 11:20 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM
Don’t have time for the full tour? Join your official NYPL tour guide in the McGraw Rotunda on the third floor for an overview of the magnificent Rose Main Reading Room, then proceed inside for a viewing.
This 15-minute tour is free and limited to the first 25 people who sign up. Registration will be available in McGraw Rotunda, where the tour begins, 30 minutes prior.
Rose Main Reading Room Visiting Hour
The Rose Main Reading Room is also open for a visiting hour from 10 to 11 AM, Monday through Saturday. Please note that the last visitor entry is at 10:50 AM.
Access for Persons with Disabilities
All public service units of the Library are wheelchair accessible. A ramp entrance to the building is located at the 42nd Street entrance. All levels of the building are accessible by an elevator at the north end of the building.
Don't forget! The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is a working research library.
Please:
• No food or drink
• Silence your phone
• Remain quiet in all reading rooms
• No flash photography or taking photos of others
New! Self-Guided Audio Tour
Can't make it to a docent-led tour? Now you can take a self-guided tour on your mobile device to explore the history, architecture, and services offered at the Library's Fifth Avenue locations. Find it all on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.
Reserved Group Building and Treasures Tours
For groups larger than 10 persons please contact tours@nypl.org. You can submit your tour request here. Please allow 6 - 8 weeks advance notice in order for us to accomodate your group. Fees apply.