Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street
Third Floor
Room 308
New York, NY 10018
212-930-0837
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Closed today
Regular Hours
Photography Collection
Day Hours
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 1 PM–5:45 PM
Wednesday: 1 PM–5:45 PM
Thursday: 1 PM–5:45 PM
Friday: 1 PM–5:45 PM
Saturday: 1 PM–5:45 PM
Sunday: CLOSED
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About the Division

Black and white photo of group of people looking up at sky.

The Photography Collection was created in 1980, when images culled from other NYPL departments and branches were brought together to form a new division that now comprises approximately 500,000 photographs by 6,000 photographers. The Photography Collection encompasses the broadest range of the medium, including images made for commercial, industrial, and scientific application as well as images for the press and other print media, the vernacular of amateur snapshot photography and original works intended for exhibition and/or the art market. 

 

Please note: We are working to integrate the Prints and Photographs Online Catalog into the Library's main Research Catalog. Contact us directly with questions about the Photography Collection.

Visiting the Collection

Can researchers access the collection without an appointment?

No. Please request an appointment through your Special Collections Account or contact us by email at photography@nypl.org. However, patrons are welcome to enter without an appointment to consult a Specialist during reading room hours.

Are virtual consultations available and are they required before making an onsite research appointment?

Virtual consultations are available for researchers who wish to discuss their research plans. Email us at photography@nypl.org to arrange a time to speak. 

Who can researchers contact with further questions?

Please email us at photography@nypl.org with any additional queries.

 

Learn more about this division.

Request a Class Visit

researchers in Rose Main Reading Room

Our staff welcomes students and instructors to explore the collections and resources at our landmark 42nd Street building. We work with instructors to design sessions that use the Library’s remarkable collections to foster creative inquiry, cultivate critical thinking, and develop information literacy skills. Learn more.

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