The New York Public Library offers free major exhibitions and special displays at three of its research library locations—the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Library for the Performing Arts, and Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture—and community showcases at many of its branch locations throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
Current Exhibitions
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Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures
OngoingStephen A. Schwarzman Building -
Lola L. Szladits: Devoted Guardian of Literary Delights
Through September 24, 2023Stephen A. Schwarzman Building -
Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration
Through December 4, 2023Schomburg Center for Research in Black CultureMarking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration explores the impact of the US prison system on contemporary visual art.…
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Equal Rights Amendment: A Century of Speaking Out
Through January 7, 2024Stephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe Equal Rights Amendment was first proposed in 1923. NYPL marks the 100th anniversary of this important moment with an exhibition that…
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New York Subways 1977: Alen MacWeeney
Through January 7, 2024Stephen A. Schwarzman BuildingExplore subway scenes from 1977 through the work of photographer Alen MacWeeney.
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Regina Resnik, A New York Treasure
Through February 10, 2024The New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThe Music and Recorded Sound Division of the Library for the Performing Arts presents this exhibition of materials from the opera singer…
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Border Crossings: Exile and American Modern Dance 1900-1955
Through March 16, 2024The New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThe New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center celebrates the fundamental contributions of…
Coming Soon
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The Awe of the Arctic: A Visual History
March 15–July 13, 2024Stephen A. Schwarzman BuildingDiscover how the Arctic has been a source of intrigue and fascination for centuries through historic and contemporary images.
Community Showcases
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‘Comfort of Time Through Love’: Artwork by Jahyun Seo
Through December 26, 2023Mulberry Street LibraryJoin the Mulberry Street Library in welcoming artist Jahyun Seo, whose artwork will be on display from Monday, September 18 through…
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Demetrius Manouselis: Paintings
Through December 22, 202353rd Street LibraryThe 53rd Street Library is pleased to exhibit paintings by Demetrius Manouselis.
An architect and artist living and…
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RUST BOUQUET by NAM
Through October 15, 2023Hudson Park LibraryA window installation on 7th Avenue South (between Leroy and Carmine Streets)
Online Exhibitions
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The Skeleton Caricatures of Posada | Las meras meras calaveras de Posada
OngoingOnline OnlyStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThis online exhibition presents a selection of Posada’s calaveras and announces the digitization of the entirety of the Library’s Posada… -
Pride & Privacy: LGBTQ+ Visibility in Library Collections
OngoingOnline OnlyStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe lives of people who identify as LGBTQ+, more than those of others, have often historically been shaped by questions of visibility…
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Michael Cummings & A Bygone Era in Art
OngoingOnline OnlySchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureBeginning in the 1970s, American artist and quiltmaker Michael A. Cummings began collecting Black art event ephemera. Recently…
Past Exhibitions
See AllThe Wondrous Willa Kim: Costume Designs for Actors and Dancers
The Library for the Performing Arts celebrates the long and colorful career of costume designer Willa Kim.

Charles Darwin: A Life in Letters
Charles Darwin: A Life in Letters is presented in partnership with Cambridge University Library and celebrates the…

Focus Center Stage: 50 Years of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive
A look back at the archive, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Theatre on Film and Tape and how it affected theatre history.
