Morgan Library

Description:

• This New York treasure, boasting one of the world's most important collections of original manuscripts, rare books and bindings, master drawings, and personal writings has become newly popular since extensive renovations and an addition designed by architect Renzo Piano were completed in 2006. Those renovations include a welcoming entrance on Madison Avenue; new and renovated galleries, so that more of the library's holdings can be exhibited; a modern auditorium; and a new Reading Room with greater capacity and electronic resources and expanded space for collections storage. The permanent collection is nothing but astounding, including not one but three Gutenberg Bibles, letters and manuscripts of Jane Austen, Balzac, Byron, Dickens, James Joyce, and Alexander Pope, and a sumptuous, eye-boggling collection of medieval illuminated manuscripts. Note: The collection is too vast for it to be all exhibited at one time, and the displays change periodically. Some of the Library's exhibitions have included one on the life of Bob Dylan through music, letters, memorabilia, "On the Money: Cartoons for The New Yorker," and "The Modern Stage: Set Designs, 1900-1970." Note: The museum's website has one of the finest online exhibitions of any museum. You can lunch in the intimate Morgan Dining Room as if you were dining in JP's own quarters.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010