J. Pierpont Morgan's Library: Building the Bookman's Paradise

Description

June 10 through September 18, 2022

In 1902, the American financier and collector J. Pierpont Morgan (1837–1913) commissioned architect Charles Follen McKim (1847–1909) of the firm McKim, Mead & White to design a freestanding library next to his home on East 36th Street in New York. With rarely seen architectural drawings, period photographs, and significant rare books and manuscripts from Morgan’s collection, this exhibition traces the design, construction, and early life of J. Pierpont Morgan’s Library. It honors the designers, tradesmen, artists, and builders who created the Library more than a century ago and celebrates the completion of the exterior restoration and enhancement of this landmark building, which now anchors the campus of the Morgan Library & Museum.

In 1908, an unnamed correspondent from the London Times visited the completed Library and published the first public account of its lavish interiors and the splendid rare volumes held within. “The Bookman’s Paradise exists,” the writer announced, “and I have seen it. . . . I have entered the most carefully, jealously guarded treasure-house in the world, and nothing in it has been hidden from me.” Today, the “bookman’s paradise” belongs to all of us.

Offered At

The Morgan Library & Museum

School programs at the Morgan Library & Museum offer students an opportunity to look closely, ask questions, make meaning, and find personal relevance in a wide range of objects. The Morgan’s collections and exhibitions highlight the creative process throughout history and include ancient Mesopotamian cylinder seals and tablets, medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, rare printed books and bindings, and a large collection of Renaissance to contemporary drawings. The range of the Morgan’s world-renowned literary and art collections support and supplement K-12 classroom curricula.

Please note that for in-person field trips, we limit groups to 15 for a more interactive and intimate experience. We can accommodate no more than 4 groups, or 60 students, at one time in our historic library.

Details

Subjects

History, Arts, Primary Sources

Capacity

15 students, 1 chap. per 5 stu.

Duration

90 min.

Activity

Field Trip

Grades

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Price Options

$150.00 per Group for Private School

$0.00 per Group for Public School

$0.00 per Group for Title I School