The Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound of The New York Public Library is one of the richest resources of recorded sound in the world. The Archives' extraordinary holdings cover virtually every aspect of recorded sound—from Mozart to Maria Callas to Motown, from symphonic works to presidential speeches, from radio dramas to television specials.

40 Lincoln Center Plaza (entrance at 111 Amsterdam between 64th and 65th)
Third Floor
New York, NY 10023
Day | Hours |
---|---|
Monday: | 10:30 AM–6 PM |
Tuesday: | 10:30 AM–6 PM |
Wednesday: | 10:30 AM–6 PM |
Thursday: | 10:30 AM–6 PM |
Friday: | 10:30 AM–6 PM |
Saturday: | 10:30 AM–6 PM |
Sunday: | CLOSED |
About the Division

Visiting the Collection
Can researchers walk in to access the collection?
At this time, we are not offering walk-in access to our research collections, but researchers can still access them by booking a virtual consultation with one of our librarians, who will make an appointment for you to visit the Library for the Performing Arts.
Are research appointments required to access the collections onsite?
Appointments are only required to use the research collections on the third floor. However, patrons are welcome to enter the Library for the Performing Arts without an appointment and access our circulating collections and reading rooms on the first and second floors, as well as our Outdoor Reading Room.
Are virtual consultations available and are they required before making an onsite research appointment?
Yes. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our librarians.
What else do researchers need to know about accessing the collection?
Patrons must first create a Special Collections account to access the special collections materials at the Library for the Performing Arts.
Create a Special Collections Account
Who can researchers contact with further questions?
Please email us at recordedsound@nypl.org with any additional queries.
Please consult with staff to book an appointment at this division.
Learn more about this division
Featured
-
Digital Collections
Interact with digitized items from the Archives of Recorded Sound.
-
AMI Preservation and Access Initiative
Learn more about this major initiative here.