The Morgan Library in NYC

The husband and I would venture into “the city” on many weekends when we were lucky enough to live nearby in New Jersey.  One weekend, when looking for something new, we stumbled across this beautiful gem, the Morgan Library.  It is located at 225 Madison Avenue in Manhattan at 36th street.

The main room has shelves of books three stories high, and is quite a sight to behold.

The library was built by the financier Pierpont Morgan between 1902 and 1906 adjacent to his home.  It’s purpose was to house Mr. Morgan’s incredible collection of illuminated, literary and historical manuscripts, books and old master drawings.  Where other folks today may get a storage unit to house their excess collections, Mr. Morgan built this fabulous building.

 

The collection is incredible.  Here you can find an original copy of the Gutenberg Bible.  Drawings by the likes of Rubens, Durer and Mantegna.  You can see music scores hand written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  There are handwritten manuscripts from Jane Austen, Lord Byron, Thoreau and many more.

I thought the fireplace in the center of the library was a beautiful touch. 

This is the ceiling of the vestibule outside of the main library.

In the building, Mr. Morgan also had a very nice office…

You can spend just an hour here, or you could spend the day, but it is a fascinating place to visit if you are ever lucky enough to be in Manhattan!