View The Polonsky Exhibit

The Polonsky Exhibit is the first-ever permanent exhibit from the New York Public Library and highlights various items from the library’s research collections. Some such items include handwritten letters, manuscripts, and historical documents – if you’re a history or literary lover, this is the exhibit for you. Admission to the exhibit is free, though timed-entry reservations are required.

The treasures in this exhibition tell the stories of people, places, and moments spanning 4,000 years—from the emergence of the written word through to the present day. Visitors will encounter manuscripts, artworks, letters, still and moving images, recordings, and more that bring vividly to life voices of the past. While the Library’s collections have always been available for public use, the Polonsky Exhibition builds on our 125-year legacy by offering a unique opportunity to make new connections and expand our understanding of the world and each other—so that together we can shape a better future.