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225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA

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Phone: +1 212-685-0008

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Renovation Overview

The 2006 renovation of The Morgan Library & Museum created a contemporary museum experience for visitors, integrating all the buildings and providing spaces for special exhibitions, performances, and lectures. Within the original 1906 building, known as “Mr. Morgan’s Library,” some of New York’s best-kept secrets await exploration.

The Rotunda

Once the main entrance to the library, this space is heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance. The dome’s paintings were inspired by the masterpieces created by Raphael for Pope Julius II in the Stanza della Segnatura. Just like the Pope, who supported artists, Morgan positioned himself as a patron of the arts.

The Librarian’s Office

The small room located north of the rotunda, adorned with lapis lazuli columns, served as the librarian’s office until the 1980s. The most renowned of the Morgan’s librarians, Belle da Costa Greene (1879-1950), was hired by Morgan in 1905 to manage his rare books and manuscripts collection. Eventually, she became the first director of the public museum, a notable accomplishment for a woman of that era. Interestingly, Greene concealed her racial identity to navigate the challenges of her time, leveraging a fabricative story of Portuguese ancestry to explain her appearance.

Mr. Morgan’s Study

J.P. Morgan utilized this room as his personal study, where pivotal discussions on American financial history took place. Following the Panic of 1907, Morgan quickly returned to New York and worked tirelessly in this space to orchestrate solutions for struggling institutions. His role drew criticism and earned him a reputation akin to the miserly banker depicted in Frank Capra’s classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Inside the study, visitors can view Mr. Morgan’s vault, which is open to the public. Notably, the bookcase to the right of the vault is a false front that swings open—look for the seam and hinge that reveal its secret entrance.

The Library

This grand two-tiered library showcases thousands of books. Upon entering, light streaming underneath the walnut bookcases reveals concealed doorways leads to hidden staircases. Morgan delighted in the ability to make dramatic appearances at gatherings by emerging from behind the stacks.

The library’s ceiling features zodiac signs arranged meaningfully to Morgan. The signs above the entrance—Aries and Gemini—correspond to his birth date and second marriage, respectively, while directly opposite, Aquarius represents his first wife’s zodiac sign. Additionally, Libra, depicting his membership in the exclusive Zodiac Club formed in 1865, signifies his connections with some of history’s wealthiest individuals.