
New York, NY 10037
Day | Hours |
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Monday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Tuesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Wednesday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Thursday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Friday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Saturday | 10 AM–6 PM |
Sunday | CLOSED |
Visit the Schomburg Center

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, one of The New York Public Library’s renowned research libraries, is a world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.
Our Art & Artifacts and Moving Image and Recorded Sound divisions are temporarily closed. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Our Holiday Marketplace returns Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2. Check it out in person at the Schomburg Shop from 11 AM to 5:45 PM. The Schomburg Shop sells clothing, jewelry, books, and more for all ages. Items are created by Black and Brown artists. The Shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 11 AM—6 PM.
To learn about the Center's research divisions, schedule an appointment, or find out about other services, see our resources for researchers. Please note: Division hours may vary.
Although there are no guided tours at this time, we are working diligently to restore this key service to visitors in spring 2024. Please continue to check this page and the Schomburg Tours page for updates and more information.
Please note: Due to new Library policy, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electronic transportation devices are not permitted inside any NYPL location. This does not apply to mobility aids.
Puerto Rican Heritage Month | Discover Materials in Our Collections on Puerto Rico

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Through our collections, explore Puerto Rico’s history as a colony of Spain and later as a U.S. territory following the Spanish-American War. Plus, learn about our founder Arturo Schomburg (1874–1938), who was of Puerto Rican and Black descent.
Discover his role in helping to liberate the island from Spain. Mr. Schomburg also advocated for the equal treatment of Puerto Rican people by the U.S. federal government. Read more
Dec 1 Deadline | Apply to our Scholars-in-Residence Program

Photo: Lisa Herndon
If you are a postdoctoral scholar, independent researcher, or creative writer who is interested in studying at the Schomburg Center, consider applying to our Scholars-in-Residence Program.
It offers long and short-term fellowships designed to support and encourage research and writing on the history, politics, literature, and culture of the peoples of Africa and the African diaspora. Fellows receive a stipend, research support, and more. Read more
Fall 2023 Exhibitions & Programs

Exhibitions:
Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration | Schomburg Center | Through Dec 4
Nellie Mae Rowe: Something From Nothing | Online
Michael Cummings & A Bygone Era of Art | Online
Watercolors Amongst Friends | Online
Public Programs Schedule:
Fall 2023
Hip-Hop History Month | Explore the Archives of Luminaries in Our Collections Referenced in Rap

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Rap music has been and continues to be a platform to discuss the struggles of communities of color, speak out against police brutality, advocate for equality and justice, and discuss everyday life. Sometimes, inspiration for rap lyrics has come from the works and legacies of people such as poet Maya Angelou, writer James Baldwin, activist Marcus Garvey, playwright Lorraine Hansberry, and activist Malcolm X. These luminaries all have their papers, photographs, and more at the Center.
Explore our archives and learn more about some of the visionaries who were mentioned by artists such as Chuck D, KRS-One, and Rapsody in their lyrics or referenced in their music videos. Read more
In the Spotlight
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Get Your Special-Edition Hip-Hop Library Card
The New York Public Library created a special-edition library card commemorating 50 years of hip-hop! The card features imagery from the soundtrack cassette of the iconic 1983 film Wild Style, directed by Charlie Ahearn, widely considered to be the first film dedicated to hip-hop. Our Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division holds the original cassette in its collections. Apply online and pick up your card at the Schomburg Center.
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Explore Past Schomburg Center Exhibitions and Multimedia Projects
If you missed past in person exhibitions such as Beloved: African American Portraits from the Dawn of Photography and Been Seen, you can see them online. Plus, view past multimedia projects produced by students in our Junior Scholars Program.
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Space Rentals
Hosting an event? Consider our Langton Hughes Auditorium, Langston Hughes Lobby, American Negro Theatre, or Schomburg Courtyard. Learn more about these spaces.
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Get Updates from the Schomburg Center
Sign up for our bi-monthly e-newsletter, Schomburg Connection. Get updates and information on our upcoming programs, exhibitions, research guides, blogs, and more!
Featured at the Schomburg Center
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Visit the Schomburg Shop
The Schomburg Shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 6 PM for in-person shopping. Or, you can shop online.
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From Our Blog
Read blog posts from the librarians, staff, and fellows at the Schomburg Center.
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Public Programs
The Schomburg Center advances knowledge of the global Black experience through dynamic programs and exhibitions.
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Digital Schomburg
Access exhibitions, podcasts, videos, books, images, and more about the global Black experience 24/7.
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Support the Schomburg Center
Schomburg Society members receive discounts, invitations to exclusive events, and more!
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In the News
Read news stories featuring interviews with Schomburg Center curators, librarians, and staff.
Current Exhibitions
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Nellie Mae Rowe: Something From Nothing
OngoingOnline OnlySchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureInspired by the premiere of a documentary film honoring the creative spirit of Nellie Mae Rowe, check out this curated selection of…
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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…
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Watercolors Amongst Friends
OngoingOnline OnlySchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureLetters between Arturo Schomburg and illustrator, Albert Alexander Smith from the 1930s discuss the acquisition of these newly digitized…
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FUNDI: A Legacy of Learning & Liberation
Through May 1, 2024Schomburg Center for Research in Black CultureCelebrating the artistic contributions of the Schomburg Center's Junior Scholars Program.
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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.…
Events
See All-
Exhibition Closing | The Afterlives of Incarceration
Monday, December 4 | 6 PM -
Financing Freedom: Black Women and Economic Self-Determination
Thursday, December 7 | 6:30 PM -
Open Archive: Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis
Monday, December 11 | 1 PM -
Carnegie Hall Citywide: Ravi Coltrane Quartet
Thursday, December 14 | 7 PM
About the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. As a research division of The New York Public Library, the Schomburg Center features diverse programming and collections spanning over 11 million items that illuminate the richness of global Black history, arts, and culture.
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