History and architecture of the Morgan Library and Museum
Construction of the three original buildings of the Morgan Library and Museum took place of 1852 1928 to. Among these buildings, we find:
- La villa by John Pierpont Morgan, an American banker and financier. The latter had one wish: to bring together a collection of objects comparable to that found in Europe. He therefore decided to build a villa to accommodate them. The construction was entrusted to Charles Follen McKim, an architect.
- La Bookcases. The plans were also drawn up by Charles Follen McKim during the year 1906 and these were inspired by the Italian Renaissance.
- A Annex appeared after John Morgan's decision to transform the library into a memorial and a public institution.
A few years later in 1988, the Brownstone House was incorporated into this set and in 2006 another building was opened. It was built according to the plans of Renzo Piano and it connects the Brownstone house to the villa. Thanks to this addition, the institution has doubled in size: 14 m² in 000.
During the year 2010, restoration work also took place.
A breathtaking interior
Once inside, you will discover stained glass windows, woodwork and a large collection of books. The gilding and tapestries will not fail to impress you either. The Morgan Library and Museum is therefore an incredible place that will allow you to discover great works, but not only!
Visit of this library
During your visit to the Morgan Library and Museum, you will discover Several rooms and to access the various collections, you will have to go through two bronze doors. These open onto a first room: the Rotonde. Once inside, do not hesitate to contemplate the riches of the latter: you will be able to see a magnificent vault painted by Harry Siddons Mowbray and which represents three periods: the Renaissance, Antiquity and the Middle Ages. A bas-relief made of ceramic can also be seen as well as manuscripts.
In the west wing, you will access the Bookcases which houses an important collection of manuscripts, but not only! On the walls, you can contemplate paintings from the Renaissance, an altarpiece by Hans Memling (a Flemish painter) and above the hearth, a portrait of John Pierpont Morgan can also be seen. A vault made of steel is also visible in this room and it had a specific role: to protect the precious manuscripts.
On the north wing side, manuscripts are also on display, but the most impressive piece is the bookstore located in the east wing. The latter houses a multitude of books and manuscripts. As for the decorations, you can find a ceiling painted by Harry Siddons Mowbray or a tapestry dating from the XNUMXth century.
During your discovery of the Morgan Library and Museum, you will therefore visit different rooms which will all have some great surprises in store for you!
The exhibited collections
The Morgan Library and Museum houses over 350 exhibits. His collection is therefore impressive and 
among the works composing it, some manuscripts are priceless. Indeed, old books are on display as well as old Bibles such as copies of the famous printer Johannes Gutenberg's Bible, but also scores and a manuscript written by Mozart. In addition to these works, drawings, prints, historical and literary manuscripts and works from the Renaissance and the Middle Ages are also on display.
During your visit, you will also be able to spot illustrated letters of Van Gogh, sets of prints by the painter Rembrandt, scores by other musicians like Beethoven, original manuscripts, jewelry and many more! You will understand, the Morgan Library and Museum is a place that houses many riches from all fields !
Organized exhibitions
The Morgan Library and Museum also offers temporary exhibitions. If you wish to know the program, do not hesitate to inquire at the reception or directly on the official website of the Morgan Library and Museum.
Other things to do in this library
If you're feeling hungry, go to Morgan Cafe or the family Morgan Dinning Room where you can eat in the middle of a beautiful setting.
Practical information to prepare for your visit
What is the entrance fee to the Morgan Library and Museum?
The price is $ 20 per adult and $ 13 for children more than 12 years. For seniors (aged 65 and over) and students, the price is $ 13. Children under 12 enter for free.
Good deal: every Friday from 19 p.m. to 21 p.m., the entrance to the Morgan Library and Museum is free ! Don't hesitate to take advantage of it!
What are the opening hours?
Tuesday through Thursday, the Morgan Library and Museum is open from 10:30 a.m. to 17 p.m. On Fridays, it opens at 10:30 a.m. and closes at 21 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, it is also open: at 10 a.m. on Saturday and at 11 a.m. on Sunday until 18 p.m. On Mondays, it remains closed.
Address
The Morgan Library and Museum is located on Madison Avenue. Here is its address and geographic location below: 225 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016.
For lovers of rare objects, art and / or books, visiting the Morgan Library and Museum is to be included in your schedule! You will discover great manuscripts, but also jewelry, drawings and many more! Have a good visit and above all don't forget to contemplate the decorations!
