For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library has collected, preserved, and made accessible the world’s knowledge. Now, for the first time, the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures showcases some of the most extraordinary items from the 56 million in our collections, inspiring and empowering visitors to discover, learn, and create new knowledge—today and in the years ahead.
The treasures in this exhibition tell the stories of people, places, and moments spanning 4,000 years—from the emergence of the written word through to the present day. Visitors will encounter manuscripts, artworks, letters, still and moving images, recordings, and more that bring vividly to life voices of the past. While the Library’s collections have always been available for public use, the Polonsky Exhibition builds on our 125-year legacy by offering a unique opportunity to make new connections and expand our understanding of the world and each other—so that together we can shape a better future.
Please note that the last entry to the Polonsky Exhibition is 30 minutes before the close of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. See building hours and plan your visit. Please be prepared for a short wait between lining up and entering the exhibition, especially during busy times such as weekend afternoons.
Free 45-minute tours of the Polonsky Exhibition take place Monday to Saturday at 12:30 and 3:30 PM.
Exhibitions
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The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures
Join us for The New York Public Library's first-ever permanent exhibition highlighting our world-renowned research collections.
Special Installation: 100 Years of the Schomburg Center
On View Through May 3, 2026
Join us to celebrate 100 years of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture with a special installation highlighting its vast collections, which document the histories and cultures of people of African descent. The works selected for display span eras, continents, and media, including items personally collected by Arturo Schomburg, artifacts owned or created by icons like Sonny Rollins, Lorraine Hansberry, and Malcolm X, along with recent acquisitions of contemporary art. Explore the Schomburg Center's history and global approach to collecting—from its origins as the Division of Negro Literature, History and Prints at the Library's 135th Street Branch to its establishment as an internationally renowned research library. Visit the installation.
Plus—listen to the audio guide, featuring Dr. Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress, via Bloomberg Connects.
Image credit: Crown (After Empress Menen) (right), © Helina Metaferia.
Please note: Bloomberg Connects is developed by Bloomberg Philanthropies and is not owned or operated by NYPL. Review the Bloomberg Connects privacy policy for more information.
Dig deeper into the themes explored in the Polonsky Exhibition and discover more information about the wide array of objects on display, including the remarkable collections from which they are drawn.
LIVE from NYPL
LIVE from NYPL, the Library’s premier cultural series, offers special events exploring the objects, ideas, and themes that animate the Polonsky Exhibition.
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Plan Your Visit
Get the most out of your visit to the Polonsky Exhibition and the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, and find out what you need to know about what to bring with you, how to find us, accessibility, and more!