Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

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.

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

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

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

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