40 Lincoln Center Plaza (entrance at 111 Amsterdam between 64th and 65th)
New York, NY 10023
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Monday 5/30 CLOSED
Tuesday 5/31 10:30 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 5/25 10:30 AM–6 PM
Thursday 5/26 10:30 AM–5 PM
Friday 5/27 10:30 AM–6 PM
Saturday 5/28 CLOSED
Sunday 5/29 CLOSED
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Welcome to the Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center

An exterior shot of the Library for the Performing Arts

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, one of the Library’s renowned research libraries, houses one of the world's most extensive research collections in the fields of theatre, film, dance, music, and recorded sound, as well as a wide array of circulating and reference materials.

The Library is open for unlimited browsing of our circulating collections and on-site research services by appointment and for walk-in service.

In order to request access to special collections material, users will need to create a Special Collections account. Patrons must make a research appointment with the relevant division by clicking the Research tab above.

Find the Division and Make an Appointment

What's New at the Library for the Performings Arts

A rendering of the Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab
Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab Rendering by David Rockwell

We're excited to share the first rendering of the Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab designed by David Rockwell. The lab will allow theatre creatives to stream content from the archives at the Library for the Performing Arts, rehearse along with them, record themselves, and ultimately create new work.

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Coming Soon—Lou Reed: Caught Between the Twisted Stars

Image of Lou Reed performing at a concert

On June 9, 2022, the Library for the Performing Arts will mount Lou Reed: Caught Between the Twisted Stars, the first large-scale exhibition featuring previously unseen and unheard work from Reed’s incredible archive—part of the Library's archive since 2017. The exhibition is curated by Don Fleming and Jason Stern.

Learn More About the Exhibition

 

In the Spotlight

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Current Exhibitions

About The Library for the Performing Arts

Interior of LPA.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts houses one of the world's most extensive combinations of circulating, reference, and rare archival collections in its field. These materials are available free of charge, along with a wide range of special programs, including exhibitions, seminars, and performances. An essential resource for everyone with an interest in the arts—whether professional or amateur—the Library is known particularly for its prodigious collections of non-book materials such as historic recordings, videotapes, autograph manuscripts, correspondence, sheet music, stage designs, press clippings, programs, posters and photographs. Discover more about The Library for the Performing Arts circulating, reference, and rare archival collections.

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