The Morgan Library & Museum, located in Kips Bay, New York, is a historic site that began as the private library of financier J.P. Morgan. The library was designed by architect Charles McKim of the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White and completed in 1906. It features a stunning Renaissance-style structure with three main rooms: the East Room (Morgan's study), the West Room (the original library), and the North Room (the librarian's office).
The library houses an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts. One of the most notable items is a Gutenberg Bible printed in the 1450s, one of only 21 complete copies in existence. Another significant treasure is an original manuscript of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," featuring the author's handwritten notes and revisions.
The museum's collection also includes works by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Notably, it possesses three original Mozart scores, including the symphony in G minor. A rare Beethoven sketchbook and a collection of Jane Austen letters are also part of the collection.
The Morgan Library & Museum is known for its rotating exhibitions. One of the most famous was the 2010 exhibit of Mark Twain manuscripts and letters, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the author's death. The museum also holds regular exhibitions on topics such as medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, early photography, and contemporary art.
In 1924, J.P. Morgan's son, J.P. Morgan Jr., transformed the library into a public institution. The library underwent a significant expansion in 2006, adding a modern glass-enclosed entrance designed by architect Renzo Piano. This expansion included additional gallery spaces, a performance hall, and a new reading room, enhancing the institution's ability to host educational programs and events.
The Morgan Library & Museum is also home to the Morgan Shop, a well-curated gift shop offering books, prints, and other items related to the library's collections and exhibitions. The Morgan Café and Morgan Dining Room provide visitors with refined dining options in an elegant setting.
In addition to its cultural and historical significance, the library is known for its architectural beauty. The interiors feature intricate woodwork, frescoes by artist H. Siddons Mowbray, and a rotunda adorned with murals depicting great literary figures. The ceilings are elaborately decorated, with the East Room featuring a barrel-vaulted ceiling with intricate plasterwork.
In summary, the Morgan Library & Museum in Kips Bay, New York, is a treasure trove of art, literature, and history, offering visitors a glimpse into the remarkable legacy of J.P. Morgan and his unparalleled collection.