New York Public Library - Riverside Library

"For many New Yorkers, Lincoln Center is the artistic heart of the city, an island of culture where the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, and New York Philharmonic all come together around a shimmering fountain. Hidden off to the right of the Opera House is the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, featuring fascinating exhibits. Few experiences are lovelier than spending hours engrossed in art, beauty, history, and wonder. This library is a journey of discovery into the heart of Lincoln Center. As you enter through the front doors, it feels like any other library. But straight ahead, are several small windows set into the wall. This is your little prelude. Objects, photos, and sketches are placed inside these spaces. Themes rotate. During ballet season, for example, you might see pointe shoes signed by iconic ballerinas, who can go through one pair per performance. Next, head to the gallery up ahead, where rotating exhibitions offer insights into the world of dance, theater, and music. You might see a tribute to American conductor Leonard Bernstein, or hear rich tunes by Gershwin filling the room. We see Bernstein's monogrammed black slippers and silver cigarette box, and even a recreation of his composing studio. Beatlemania has been featured here too, with let-ters, posters, and instruments from the Fab Five, along with an oral history booth where visitors could record their own Beatles stories. The library has explored themes from modern dance pioneers to Shakespeare plays. Finally, don't miss the third floor, a theater lover's dream. It's an archive of the performing arts at your fingertips, with videos of hundreds of ballet and Broadway performances, past and present. You can sit and watch Suzanne Farrell on pointe or Patti LuPone on stage."