The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Performances and Exhibits at the New York Library for the Performing Arts

This isn’t your standard library. In addition to the books and documents you’d expect to find in a library, the Library for the Performing Arts also has three exhibition spaces, an auditorium, and a café (with also sometimes serves as a performance space).

The library serves professionals within the performing arts and those with a more casual interest in the arts.

Special exhibitions on display at the library change frequently and often highlight a portion of the library’s collection or a new acquisition.

The library’s exhibits and performances are free and open to the public.

Events at the library are varied and include concerts, talks, films, and theatrical performances. Check the online list of upcoming performances and events to see what’s scheduled for the next few months. All events are free. For some popular events, tickets are distributed ahead of time. See the individual event entries on the schedule page for details.

Visit the library’s website for information about current exhibitions and upcoming performances.

The Amy’s Bread Café at the library offers pastries, sweets, salads, sandwiches, coffee, and other beverages.

See comments and tips from people who have visited the Library for the Performing Arts.

 

Library Collections

The library’s extensive research library and circulating collection includes video and sound recordings of performances, sheet music, and archival material such as manuscripts and artist’s archives.

There’s an excellent article about the library and its collections in the February 10, 2016 edition of The New Yorker.

 

Location

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is located at Lincoln Center, adjacent to the Metropolitan Opera.

The street address is 40 Lincoln Plaza.