40 Lincoln Center Plaza (entrance at 111 Amsterdam between 64th and 65th)
New York, NY 10023
917-275-6975
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Closed today
Regular Hours
Day Hours
Monday 10:30 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 10:30 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 10:30 AM–6 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM–8 PM
Friday 10:30 AM–6 PM
Saturday 10:30 AM–6 PM
Sunday CLOSED
Division hours may vary.
2024 Holiday Closings
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Welcome to the Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center

Exterior of the Library for the Performing Arts.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, one of NYPL’s renowned research libraries, houses one of the world's most extensive research collections in the fields of theater, film, dance, music, and recorded sound, as well as a wide array of circulating and reference materials.

The Library is open for unlimited browsing of our circulating collections and on-site research services either for walk-in service or by appointment.

In order to request access to special collections material, users will need to create a Special Collections account. Although it's not required, we encourage patrons to make an appointment with the relevant division by clicking the Research tab above. Find the division and make an appointment.

Please note: The Library for the Performing Arts will be closed on Tuesday, October 22.

In the Spotlight

Learn More about the Library for the Performing Arts

  • Support the Library for the Performing Arts

    Friends of Library for the Performing Arts receive discounts, invitations to exclusive online events, and more!

    A dancer mid-leap

  • Shop

    Visit the gift shop at the Library for the Performing Arts.

    A person carries a purple tote bag that says New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

  • Contact Us

    If you need assistance with research and using our collections, please contact one of our divisions.

    Music Division, The New York Public Library. "Telephone me, baby" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1900.

Current Exhibitions

  • The Joffrey + Ballet in the U.S.

    Through March 1, 2025
    The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

    The Joffrey + Ballet in the U.S. tells the story of what made the Joffrey a unique force in the world of dance, demonstrating…

About the Library for the Performing Arts

Interior of LPA.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts houses one of the world's most extensive combinations of circulating, reference, and rare archival collections in its field. These materials are available free of charge, along with a wide range of special programs, including exhibitions, seminars, and performances. An essential resource for everyone with an interest in the arts—whether professional or amateur—the Library is known particularly for its prodigious collections of non-book materials such as historic recordings, videotapes, autograph manuscripts, correspondence, sheet music, stage designs, press clippings, programs, posters and photographs. 

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