It's on 3 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Address225 Madison Ave, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Having lived in the city for quite a while now I’m always surprised by the amount of folks who have never heard of the Morgan Library & Museum as it’s easily one of the best museums in New York City. The museum is housed in the former library of the city’s most famous financier, James Pierpont Morgan.
Throughout his life Morgan became increasingly obsessed with acquiring rare and notable works that spanned quite a range, many of which are displayed at his namesake library (and many of which can be found at The Met).
The part of the library featuring the most notable literary works in his collection consists of three floors of metal-enclosed walnut bookshelves, chock full of rare books and important artifacts. The room itself is absolutely stunning and worth seeing even if you’re not into the collection.
Must see.Speaking of the collection, the museum houses some incredible pieces including an original copy of the Declaration of Independence, a handwritten score from Bach, a Gutenberg Bible, Frederick Douglass’ letter to his former master Hugh Auld, Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in B Minor, and more.
The Morgan Library & Museum allows visitors to step inside the private library of J.P. Morgan, which he bequeathed to the public after his death. The library is quipped with three floors of metal-enclosed walnut bookshelves, chock full of rare books.
Most notable items in the library include a handwritten score by Mozart , an original copy of the Declaration of Independence (there’s only 23), the only surviving manuscript of Paradise Lost and Charles Dickens’ manuscript for A Christmas Carol.
The Morgan Library & Museum allows visitors to step inside the private library of J.P. Morgan.
