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Life Well Wandered

Life Well Wandered

15 June 2017 · 28 Comments

The Morgan Library: A Book Lover’s Paradise

Destinations· NYC

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I can’t be the only one in love with old books, right? The Morgan Library in New York City called my name ever since I came across it online. I finally got the chance (aka decided not to be lazy) to go over a long weekend and fell completely in love with the gorgeous library and beautiful old books. If you’re a fan of beautiful libraries with thousands of books, the Morgan Library is the place for you. It’s a MUST when you visit New York City! Plus, it is a perfect, quiet refuge in the middle of Manhattan.

A little history of the Morgan Library

The Morgan Library is an incredible collection of manuscripts, books and artifacts from around the world owned by J.P. Morgan. It was founded in 1906 and made a public institution in 1924 by J.P. Morgan’s son John Pierpont Morgan, Jr.

The building itself was declared a New York City Landmark, and a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

The exhibitions

When I visited, I had the pleasure of seeing some beautiful artifacts from Mesopotamia as well as letters and poems by Emily Dickinson. While I wasn’t too impressed by the Emily Dickinson exhibition (too many letters in my opinion; although it could be because I saw it at the end of my visit), I loved the Mesopotamian artwork.

cuneiform mesopotamia

I’ve always been fascinated by ancient civilizations so seeing sculpted animals and intricately designed cylinder seals up close was incredible.

The Rotunda at the Morgan Library

This was the original entrance to the library and is beautifully ornate and airy. I loved the painted ceiling and the white stucco reliefs in the apse. Little did I know that the library would only get more beautiful!

the rotunda at the morgan library in new york city, one of the prettiest spots and best hidden gems in nyc

The North Room

This room served as the librarian’s office in the early 1900s, whose job was to further increase Morgan’s collection of manuscripts and rare books. Today, you’ll find amazing Mesopotamian seals as well as Egyptian, Greek and Roman sculptures.

the north room the morgan library in new york city, a beautiful hidden gem in manhattan

The West Room

The very red west room served as Morgan’s private study. While a little too red for my taste, I can definitely see why someone would want to work surrounded by beautiful old books!

the west room at the morgan library, a beautiful hidden gem in the heart of manhattan, new york city

rare books at the morgan library

I loved finding these beautiful copies of Pride and Prejudice!

To the left of the giant fireplace, there is an impressive vault housing the rarest of books.

book vault morgan library

Who wouldn’t want a vault for their books?

The East Room—one of the most beautiful libraries in the world

the east room at the morgan library, a stunning historic library in manhattan, new york city that is a hidden gem and beautiful getaway from the hustle and bustle of new york city

I’m saving the best for last! The East Room is absolutely magical. I fell completely in love with the three floors of books (although they only let you see the ground floor), spending over an hour circling the grand room reading [almost] each and every title.

goethe at the morgan library

Is there such thing as too much Goethe? Apparently, Morgan didn’t think so…

balzac books the morgan library

I was surprised at how many French titles were in the Morgan.

the interior of the east room at the morgan library, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world and a must-visit hidden gem in new york city

the morgan library interior image of the east room, one of the prettiest libraries in the world and one of the best hidden gems in nyc

the morgan library interior tapestry in the east room. the morgan library is one of the best hidden gems in new york city

the morgan library interior is one of the prettiest, most hidden spots in new york city and a must-visit if you love books.

Just look at that ceiling!

Interior shot of the Morgan Library, one of the prettiest libraries in the world and a hidden gem of New York City

The morgan library interior has 3 floors of beautiful old books with great exhibitions showcasing the contents of the library. It is a must-see in NYC if you love books

This is easily my definition of paradise. How could you not fall in love with the beauty of this place?

See also  A (Long) Walk Through NYC: A Self-Guided Manhattan Walking Tour

The Morgan Library is also extremely quiet, so if you’re looking for a respite from the busy streets of NYC, this is the place for you! If reading this post and seeing all these pretty books has got you inspired to do some reading of your own, find out what I’ve been reading recently.

Morgan Library Hours:

Tuesday-Thursday: 10:30 AM-5 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM-9 PM
Saturday: 10 AM-6 PM
Sunday: 11 AM-6 PM

Morgan Library Admission:

  • $20 Adults
  • $13 Seniors (65+)
  • $13 Students (with ID)
  • Members & children under 12: free
  • Admission is free on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Admission to the McKim rooms only (Morgan’s Library, Study, Rotunda, and Librarian’s Office) is free: Tuesday, 3 PM-5 PM; Friday, 7 PM-9 PM; Sunday, 4 PM-6 PM

Have you been to the Morgan Library? What’s your favorite place to look at books?

The Morgan Library in New York City is the ultimate paradise for book-lovers. Read about why you need to visit this beautiful museum and library in the heart of Manhattan and see why it is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. #NewYorkCity #Library

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Previous Post: « Why It’s Important to Celebrate the Small Things
Next Post: Rainy Day Wanderings: AKA How I Got Bryant Park to Myself »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Neni says

    16 June 2017 at 03:19

    Oh my, I want my library to look like this.
    So cosy and full of love for reading.

    Reply
    • almathews says

      16 June 2017 at 07:57

      It’s an absolute dream! I would love to have a room like this one day too

      Reply
  2. Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says

    17 June 2017 at 08:51

    oh wow!:) so dreamy..

    Reply
  3. Kris says

    17 June 2017 at 21:33

    I’m obsessed with beautiful libraries! I wish I’d known about this place when I was in NYC. It looks like the kind of place I could spend hours wandering through.

    Reply
    • almathews says

      18 June 2017 at 14:29

      I spent so long wandering around. The guards definitely looked at me weirdly as I kept wandering from room to room on repeat but it was so worth it!

      Reply
  4. Siarra | Wander.Focus.Love says

    17 June 2017 at 21:50

    In. LOVE.

    Reply
    • almathews says

      18 June 2017 at 14:26

      I fell in love with it too!

      Reply
  5. Lauren says

    17 June 2017 at 23:12

    This looks like a perfect place for me! The architecture is stunning. What a great place! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • almathews says

      18 June 2017 at 14:25

      It is amazing!

      Reply
  6. Melissa says

    17 June 2017 at 23:31

    I love old books! When I finally visit NYC one day, this will be on my list!

    Reply
    • almathews says

      18 June 2017 at 14:23

      Yes, it is definitely worth a visit! I hope you can come soon. Let me know if you need anymore suggestions for when you visit!

      Reply
    • almathews says

      18 June 2017 at 14:23

      Yes, it is definitely worth a visit! I hope you can come soon. Let me know if you need any more suggestions for when you visit!

      Reply
  7. Ticket to Adventures / Piia says

    18 June 2017 at 05:58

    Wow this place is a true gem! I love libraries and have recently discovered similar book lovers paradises here in my home town Helsinki as well. So much charm and history in these buildings!

    Reply
    • almathews says

      18 June 2017 at 14:22

      It is magical! I couldn’t agree more.

      Reply
  8. Candice says

    18 June 2017 at 07:34

    The most beautiful library I’ve ever seen! I love both the east and west rooms. Thanks for the great photos and evocative description.

    Reply
    • almathews says

      18 June 2017 at 14:18

      It’s the most beautiful I’ve seen too! Thank you so much for your kind words :)

      Reply
  9. jiahui says

    18 June 2017 at 11:55

    Such a serene library to be in~

    Reply
    • almathews says

      18 June 2017 at 14:17

      It was so peaceful!!

      Reply
  10. Christine says

    18 June 2017 at 12:22

    Wow such a beautiful library! I can’t believe I have never been while living or visiting NY. I will have to see this the next time I go!

    Reply
    • almathews says

      18 June 2017 at 14:16

      It’s gorgeous! Definitely add it to your list–it took me ages to discover that it existed but it is easily one of my favourite places in the city

      Reply
  11. Laura Harris says

    18 June 2017 at 16:07

    Ahhhh this is amazing and so beautiful and so many books plus the ancient scripts as well how did I not know this place existed?? Have to go there next time I’m in New York!

    Reply
    • almathews says

      18 June 2017 at 17:15

      It’s amazing! I hope you get to go soon!! I’m obsessed with it now

      Reply
  12. Katharina says

    19 June 2017 at 04:22

    Oh my goodness, how amazing it this library pleas?! I love book, especially old ones and I love old libraris, they have this special smell. Great post!

    Reply
    • almathews says

      19 June 2017 at 18:49

      Yes the smell of old books is SO special! It’s one of my favourite smells!

      Reply
  13. Patricia Arsuengo says

    19 June 2017 at 09:09

    Oh, Alex! What a find. The ceilings, I’d want to lie on my back to study them. The Mesopotamian exhibit would definitely be intriguing. God, I love history.

    Reply
    • almathews says

      19 June 2017 at 18:51

      Yes! I sat myself on a bench for so long just staring at everything around me! And the Mesopotamian artifacts were beautiful. It brought back so many history class memories :)

      Reply
  14. Eulanda says

    20 June 2017 at 04:57

    Omygoodness! Can every library be like this? The ceiling work is stunning! If I went in there, I’d never want to leave! We’ll definitely add this to our next NYC itinerary! Tx!

    Reply
    • almathews says

      20 June 2017 at 13:44

      I couldn’t agree more!! I stayed for hours (and definitely did not want to leave). I will definitely be making a trip back. I hope you get to visit when you’re in NYC :)

      Reply

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Welcome to my corner of the internet! Life Well Wandered is a travel blog where you'll find a little bit of everything. I love sharing itineraries from past trips, secret spots I've discovered on my travels, histories of places I find fascinating, and stories about my mental health.

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