Visiting The Morgan Library & Museum: NYC's Private Rare Artifacts Collection
- Savvy Single Mama
- Apr 26
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 27
Experience the Gilded Age at its height, mixed with modern flair and extravagance!
After visiting The Morgan I realized the art of collecting art was no joke back at the turn of the 19th century. That is when items of worth were being scrutinized, desired, and obtained by people for places all over the world. Makes me think of the items I’ve collected in my own life and then imagine myself with a bottomless budget able to fly around the globe to examine artifacts, make an offer, and if accepted, I bring it home to my library to display on a shelf. Maybe I have such a great collection I build a private library for my special books and relics. Or better yet, I’m so busy in my own business travels I send a privately hired assistant and curator to do it for me. Aaah, if only...
Well, this is exactly what JP Morgan, and later his son J. Piermont Mogan (known as Jack) did. From 1902 - 1906 the Morgan Library was built to hold the treasures found, rare collectibles. Personal Librarian and Director Belle Da Costa Green was the lady who curated much of this collection from 1905 - 1948. I didn’t have the full picture of all of the intricacies involved until I wandered this complex, a half a block in NYC showcasing the many personal items including Egyptian art, historical documents, Renaissance paintings, ancient western seals and tablets, even cuneiform writings and really interesting things of all sorts. What began as a library across the street from his home is now an expanded site of an old brownstone and new atrium style wing and museum where visitors to come and feast their eyes on 350,000 rare items from all over the world. Maybe I’m excited about because I’d have collected many of the same items with his budget. I have similar taste and interest to either Jack Morgan or Belle Greene, for sure. Clearly there’s religious, art, and historical significance with cultural and linguistic meaning regardless of your specific beliefs. Really cool items of all kinds.
If you’re wondering what it would be like to have the credit card and opportunity to fly around the world amassing this collection, Belle Da Costa Greene is the subject of the book, The Personal Librarian, by Marie Benedict which tells of the real-life tale of the woman who managed Morgan's millions, who was educated, trusted, and had an eye for quality. The wonderful book can be streamed online here. By the end of chapter 1 I was totally in. Belle's touch is surely present in the building, and the current exhibit features her interesting story, revealing a look inside the private life and space of not just Jack Morgan, but also Belle Greene.
In another book titled: An Illuminated Life: Belle Da Costa Greene’s Journey from Prejudice to Privilege, by Heidi Ardizzone, with the forward reading: “What would you give up to achieve your dream? When J. P. Morgan hired Belle da Costa Greene in 1905 to organize his rare book and manuscript collection, she had only her personality and a few years of experience to recommend her. Ten years later, she had shaped the famous Pierpont Morgan Library collection and was a proto-celebrity in New York and the art world, renowned for her self-made expertise, her acerbic wit, and her flirtatious relationships. Born to a family of free people of color, Greene changed her name and invented a Portuguese grandmother to enter white society. In her new world, she dined both at the tables of the highest society and with bohemian artists and activists. She also engaged in a decades-long affair with art critic Bernard Berenson. Greene is pure fascination--the buyer of illuminated manuscripts who attracted others to her like moths to a flame.”
Greene's history is so interesting in its own right her story is a fascinating tale. Daughter of the first black Harvard graduate, coming from Georgetown in Washington DC, with roots that make any woman proud, she hid her true identity in an effort to carve her own path untouched by the politics of the time. And that is exactly what she did!
Well, I am having too much fun imagining myself at the turn of the century, but I must admit that is what a visit here does, takes you back in time. When I visited, and currently there is a full exhibit of Belle Da Costa Greene which is not a permanent collection, so if you’re reading prior to May 4, 2025, go quickly!
Other thoughts about this experience: Some of the art here is just weird. Some of it I understand, much of it I admittedly do not. Especially in the red room, Morgan’s private library where Jack’s desk sits amidst high stained-glass windows which seem to depict something rather sinister. The vibe in this room of his most personal items feels wicked. What was really going on here? In a world of illuminati conspiracies my mind reaches for some fun explanation to the dark overtone.
The biggest wonder is the story untold. This museum in its own right shows how wealth made objects accessible. The acquisition of valued objects and what we know, I want the rest of the story.
Let’s get into planning this visit!
Where: Just a short walk from Grand Central or Penn Station, the Morgan is an experience in fine art, literature, and music, one of New York's great historic sites, and a wonderful place to dine, shop, and attend a concert or film. My favorite place for teatime!
Neighborhood: Murray Hill
225 Madison Avenue, New York City, NY 10016-3405
When: Open 10:30 – 5:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday, and Friday nights until 7 pm.
Friday nights are free. Reserve in advance online.
Closed on Mondays.
Price: $25.00 adults, $17.00 seniors, $13.00 students with ID
Free for Children under 12, and those who have an EBT card.
While advanced time tickets are preferred, they are generally not needed (during high touristy seasons like Christmas or Holidays, definitely reserve).
Link for RESERVATIONS
Link for FRIDAY NIGHTS.
*The first Sunday of the month is FREE for college students. LEARN MORE
Who: Perhaps unfairly, I would not consider this a child-friendly location. This is more of a thought provoking, intriguing experience for those who wish to see the eclectic remnants of time, and while it’s certainly stroller or wheelchair friendly, and I don’t discourage anyone from traveling with their children- this may not be the most fun they have ever had.
Yes, they do host field trips for school aged children, I am sure with lots of JP Morgan Historical reference. As a space of learning, definitely!
If you are homeschooling, this is a good reference: https://www.themorgan.org/education/programs
Visiting with kids? Check out these guides to help build the experience making it more meaningful: https://www.themorgan.org/family-programs/guides
I am admittedly an art major with a fascination for the ancient spiritual beliefs and historical connections between generations and this was overwhelmingly exciting to me. Many researchers come to this location for pouring through ancient manuscripts and digging through the chapters of books kept for those who make the time to seek their words. For children, I’d recommend the main New York Public Library which is a grand building, and much to offer.
What: Just 4 rooms of originally preserved mansion blended with some newer expanded additions make this into an elegant place of high-quality time capsuled wonders. Entering the main library through the East Room through the magnificent Italian style Rotunda the first thing that takes you’d breath away is its magnificent intricately carved wooden ceiling. Elegant rows of three-story inlaid walnut bookshelves display magnificent leather-bound volumes, medieval illuminated manuscripts, rare documents, letters, original writings, richly adorned bibles -including Gutenberg Bible dated 1454–1455. This is the only place in the world to have three Gutenberg Bibles in one place! 30-foot ceilings and levels of bookshelves calling to be read. Above, an ornately painted ceiling automatically puts this room into an architectural category of excellence.
The West Room (Jack Pierpont Morgan’s study) has his desk, the rows of books on the shelves and superb collection of priceless paintings (think Memling, Lucas Cranach, Tintoretto, etc.!) and sculptures. The chair at his desk faces a self-portrait, which is very commanding. The opulent furniture and chandeliers are stunning, with the red velvety room feeling like he will be coming back in to sit at his desk at any given moment. The room paints a picture of personality, mystery, and opulence.
Don't Miss Collectibles:
*Chopin sheet music
*Oscar Wilde's letters and manuscripts (including Dorian Gray works)
*Letters between Mark Twain and editor during the writing of Huckleberry Fin
*Fragment of the Epic of Atrahasis, Mesopotamia, First Dynasty of Babylon, reign of King Ammi-saduqa, ca. 1646–26 BCE, Clay tablet; MLC 1889
“This tablet contains the earliest biblical text at the Morgan, an account of the Greak Flood in Akkadian cuneiform script... The text here is a fragment of the flood story recapitulated in the third-millennium-BC Epic of Gilgamesh and in Genesis.”
*Biblia Latina, Mainz: Johann Gutenberg and Johann Fust, ca. 1455; PML 12
“The Morgan Library & Museum is the only institution in the world to possess three copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the first substantial book printed from movable type in the West.” Two of the Morgan’s copies are on view in this exhibition.
*Stavelot Triptych with Cross Relic 12th c
(fragment of the true cross on which Jesus/ Yeshua was crucified)
*The Deluge Story
1966 B.C. clay
The second chapter of the Epic of Atra-hasis; earliest known copy of an Akkadian version of the Deluge (Flood) story.
**Quoted from the Morgan's website: https://www.themorgan.org/
The 2nd Floor:
Will host a rotating exhibit and should definitely not be missed!
Downstairs:
The story of the property, family story, and cultural legacy.
Itinerary Considerations:
Located in midtown Manhattan and a great couple of hours, there is much to consider for best use of time. Close by this area are notable landmarks such as Bryant Park, the NY Public Library, (we actually dipped in and checked out the 4th floor and rose room briefly before headed to the Morgan), and even Broadway Row. This is a great addition to any other midtown plans.
If you are in town to see Starry Night, at the MOMA or ride the tram over to Roosevelt Island. More on this combo HERE. You’re super close by to Rockefeller Center, 5th Ave, the Chrysler Building, and the Empire State Building as well.
If you've never visited NY before, walk 5th Avenue from Bryant Park up to Central Park enjoying the Morgan and several other stops along the way, even taking a few photos in Time’s Square along the journey.
What did we do? Having visited several other times:
We first went to the bumper cars on ice, in Bryant Park, which typically occurs after New Year's until the beginning of March. From here, we went over to the Vessel and Hudson Yards via the bus. It was a chilly windy day in March 2025, and we decided to duck into some sheltered spots. We made our way to the Highline and ducked into Hudson Yards, going to the food court.
Museums… Ahhh I love them all.
NY is dripping with art, culture, history and museums of every flavor. One of my favorites, the Cloisters isn’t even on the list below however it’s inside of a castle located in the Bronx. The Morgan sees about 250,000 people annually, making it a lesser visited “gem” compared to the MET, which sees 3.5 million yearly. While that is a much larger site, and there’s hardly a comparison, I was still magnificently surprised at the smaller, compact, quality aspect of the Morgan. In comparison, Starry Night at the MOMA attracts about 3 million yearly.
NYC’s notable Museums:
1. The MET
2. American Museum of Natural History
3. The Guggenheim
4. MOMA
5. The Whitney
6. The Morgan
7. Intrepid
8. 911 Memorial & Museum
9. NY Transit Museum
10. Museum of the Native American
Tips when visiting:
The people who work there (Security, Coat Check, Welcome desk) are all very nice.
In 2025, The Morgan Garden reopens on May 2! This seasonal beauty is a highlight of visiting between May and October. Of course, the winter months boast lovely holiday décor and a different vibe for visiting.
*Some of the bookcases have secret doors to staircases, these are most likely off limits but it’s worth it to ask about
*Occasionally, The Morgan offers a tour called: The Secrets of the Morgan. Check the website and join!
*Check the schedule for any special exhibits
*Use the audio guide
*Large bags and liquids are not allowed inside, bags are inspected upon entry
*Complimentary coat and bag check are offered, we took advantage of this with no issues
*Free tours happen most days at 12:30 pm
*The café menu is really good, hard to choose! The teatime here while not the fanciest in all of the city, is a lovely afternoon treat and certainly fits the vibe
*One visit may not be enough!
Time is of the essence when traveling. I want as much time spent enjoying the location, being present in the moment, NOT figuring it out when there, which can be stressful. I am sharing the logistics of visiting the Statue of Liberty for your planning ease and knowing what to expect. Anything to save time and energy makes the experience more of a quality moment.❤️
Underlined bold text links to that page for your convenience. No affiliations, just love.
Go spend a little time in the morning at the Museum of Modern Art, lovingly known around here as the MoMA. Here you'll find the famous impressionistic Starry Night painting by Vincent Van Gogh. World renown and surrounded by pieces that are considered some of the best of the period, these will make you appreciate art all over again. Then, walk over to the Roosevelt Tram and take a ride on the aerial cable car which will allow you some breath-taking views of the NYC skyline for the price of a subway ticket!
A few more Tips for NYC traveling....
~When in New York, a little planning goes a long way! Screen shot your directions and know your timing and routes
~Wear comfy shoes for walking
~Have a portable battery charger, you'll most likely need it
~Bring your water bottle/ tumbler. or rambler with you - save money and stay hydrated!
~Public restrooms are a hot commodity, go when you can!
I LOVE NY!
As a native New Yorker I return often, we still have a family home there. Many of these visits are repeats for us, but I share to make the planning easier for families and because I love this stuff. NYC is still my fav.
The elegance of the Morgan is unique! Such a gem to really see it and walk through.
Until next time NY!
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The information in this article was accurate when published but may change without notice.
Confirm the prices and times on websites, and use your best judgement.
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Happy Travels!
Savvy Mama
Love this review, super informative and helpful. I will definitely check this mueseum out!!