Exploring the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City with Kids

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What was once the private library of American financier Pierpont Morgan, The Morgan Library and Museum opened to the public in 1924, three years after his death. JP Morgan created one of the largest personal libraries in history, with over 350,000 volumes. Morgan collected first editions of dozens of authors from Byron, Dickens, and Poe to Twain, Melville, and Morris to Plath, Stein, and Williams. Included in the collection are three copies of the famous Gutenberg Bible. Morgan also collected over one thousand volumes that document the development of bookbinding, one of the largest collections in the Western Hemisphere. Morgan’s collection also includes paintings, drawings, prints, and manuscripts. 

In 1902, Morgan commissioned a library, an annex to his home on Madison Avenue in the Murray Hill neighborhood, to be built in the Italian Renaissance design.  The museum and library went through an extensive interior renovation in 2010 and an exterior renovation in 2022. Today, guests are welcomed to tour the museum and exhibits and encouraged to enjoy weekly lectures, concerts, and special events.

Travel Tips:

  • The Morgan Museum and Library is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30am-5pm, with extended hours on Friday. Check here for up to date information on hours and admission fees, including information about Free Fridays and reciprocity programs. 
  • Restrooms are located on the lower level and there is a coat check near the admission desk. The Library and Museum are accessible via an elevator- more information on accessibility here. 
  • Information on public transportation here and local garages here.
  • The Morgan Cafe, located behind the admission desk, is a beautiful, light-filled space that offers lunch, snacks, and drinks Tuesday through Sunday from 11am through 4pm, with extended hours on Friday. See the full menu here. 
  • The Morgan Shop is located to the left of the admission desk and offers a curated collection of books, gifts, jewelry, stationery, and gifts for the home. 
  • The Morgan Library and Museums offer several special events each month, including concerts, lectures, and guided tours. Families will be especially interested in Storytime and Winter Fair- more info here.
  • Be sure kids download the Family Activity Guide to bring to their visit, which is filled with information and activities to complete while exploring the exhibits.  
  • Plan on 90 minutes to explore all exhibits- see the floor plan here and free audio guides here. 

10 Ways for Kids to Explore The Morgan:

  1. Compare your height to the height of the fireplace in Pierpont Morgan’s Study in the West Room. (Check out the size of ALL the fireplaces!)
  2. Peek inside the vault of the West Room, which houses books of great value.
  3. Count the images painted on the ceiling of the Library.
  4. Explore the artifacts in the display of Early and Middle Ages exhibit.
  5.  In Morgan’s Bibles: Splendor in Scripture exhibit, view elements of Morgan’s collection, including manuscripts, print books, tablets, decorative arts, drawings, and one (of three) copies of the Gutenberg Bibles. 
  6. Peer down into the strong box in the Englehand Gallery.
  7. Find your favorite animals in the collection of Spirit and Invention Drawings exhibit. (through January of 2024)
  8. Count the coins in the Medieval Money, Merchants, and Morality exhibit. (through March 2024)
  9. Follow along the timeline of Pierpont Morgan’s life and philanthropy in the lower level exhibit.
  10. Bonus: During warmer months, the Morgan Garden with beautiful walkways and a lush lawn is open for exploration. 

Looking for other adventures in New York City? See our full City Guide here, our favorite restaurants in New York City here, and our index of all of our NYC posts here. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and X. 

Disclosure: Our family was given a media pass to explore the Morgan Library and Museum. All opinions expressed are my own. 

New England based, part high school English teacher, part non profit founder, part road tripper who LOVES hopping in the family SUV to explore America. Our bucket list includes National Parks, MLB stadiums, presidential libraries, and eating wherever the locals eat!

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5 Comments

  2. This is so cool and I love your tips for taking kids! Education is always best when it is fun and age appropriate! I lived in NYC for many years and never knew about this!

    Reply

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