Admired for its outstanding Beaux-Arts design by Carrère and Hastings and considered one of the world’s greatest public research libraries, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (SASB) is a beloved New York City landmark and a registered US National Historic Landmark. As part of the Midtown Campus renovation, together with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, SASB provides more public library space and enhanced access to collections, technology and staff expertise.
The project forms part of the New York Public Library’s Midtown Campus transformation. The main design concept is defined by the building’s rich history. As part of our vision for a strategic renovation, we draw on Beaux-Arts principles of symmetry, balance and clear lines. Analysis showed that many spaces originally intended for public use were being used for storage or staff rooms, presenting new opportunities. The original symmetrical layout has been reinforced and the building’s qualities enhanced.
Functions were logically clustered, with active uses on the lower floors and quieter spaces higher in the building. More public space was created by transforming and reopening rooms originally designed for public use but long occupied by staff or storage functions. Circulation routes and vertical connections were also improved. One of the principal interventions is a new entrance on 40th Street for goods, groups and staff, significantly improving the flow of people through the building.
The new entrance plaza provides a safe and welcoming arrival point for groups. The renovation also expands the exhibition programme with the new Treasures Exhibition Space in Gottesman Hall, directly connected to the library shop in the South Court. Facilities for researchers and scholars have been enhanced, strengthening their connection to the stacks and collections. The former Maps Division storage area has been transformed into a Visitor Center overlooking Fifth Avenue from the building’s North Wing.