The Music Division is one of the world's preeminent music collections—documenting the art of music in all its diversity—classical and opera as well as the whole spectrum of popular music including spirituals, ragtime, jazz, musical theater, film, rock and world music. While the division contains many scores and manuscripts from centuries past, its curatorial mandate is an activist one, placing major emphasis on capturing the creative output of contemporary composers. Learn more about this division.
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
40 Lincoln Center Plaza (entrance at 111 Amsterdam between 64th and 65th)
Third Floor
New York, NY 10023
40 Lincoln Center Plaza (entrance at 111 Amsterdam between 64th and 65th)
Third Floor
New York, NY 10023
212-870-1625
Directions
Closed today
Music Division
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday: | 12 PM–8 PM |
| Tuesday: | 12 PM–6 PM |
| Wednesday: | 12 PM–6 PM |
| Thursday: | 12 PM–8 PM |
| Friday: | 12 PM–6 PM |
| Saturday: | 12 PM–6 PM |
| Sunday: | CLOSED |
| Day | Date | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12/23 | 12 PM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 12/24 | 12 PM–1 PM |
| Wednesday | 12/25 | CLOSED |
| Thursday | 12/26 | 12 PM–8 PM |
| Friday | 12/27 | 12 PM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 12/28 | 12 PM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 12/22 | CLOSED |
About the Division
Visiting the Collection
Can researchers walk in to access the collection?
Yes. Researchers do not need an appointment to access the Music and Recorded Sound Research Collections.
Are research appointments required to access the collections onsite?
No. Appointments are not necessary to access our collections, but they are recommended if you want to work with archival materials to ensure that a seat is available for you. Walk in access is possible in most cases.
Access to audio/visual materials on the third floor and the circulating collection of books, scores, CDs, and DVDs on the first and second floor do not require appointments.
Are virtual consultations available and are they required before making an onsite research appointment?
No. Virtual Consultations are not required. However, if you would like some help in figuring out exactly what we have that will help you in your work, or if your are confused by messages in the library catalog, we are available virtually or at our in-person reference desk.
What else do researchers need to know about accessing the collection?
Patrons must first create a Special Collections account to access the special collections materials at the Library for the Performing Arts.
Create a Special Collections Account
Who can researchers contact with further questions?
Email us at music@nypl.org with any additional queries.
FEATURED
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Stories from the Collections
In this video, take a look at a first edition copy of the "The Star-Spangled Banner."
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Digital Collections
Interact with digitized items from the Music Division.
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AMI Preservation and Access Initiative
Learn more about this major initiative here.
Current Exhibitions
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From Panama to New York: The Musical Journey of Rubén Blades
Through April 15, 2025The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
