The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

This research branch of the New York Public Library features one of the largest collections of African-American materials in the world. The Schomburg Center promotes the study of black history and culture and provides access to research materials that document the life of peoples of African descent.

This institution is renowned for its rich collections which contains over 10,000,000 items. It also offers the community many free programs, events and exhibitions.

An Acclaimed Personal Collection

Puerto Rican-born black scholar Arturo Alfonso Schomburg was an avid collector of art, literature and other African history such as slave narratives. The Schomburg Center got its start in 1926 when his vast personal collection of materials documenting black life were added to the New York Public Library’s Division of Negro Literature, History and Prints in the Harlem branch. Schomburg curated the collection until he passed away in 1938, and in 1940 the Center was renamed to honour the historian, writer, bibliophile and activist.

In 1972 it became the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and designated as one of the research libraries of the New York Public Library.

Visiting The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center is located at 515 Malcolm X Boulevard between 135th and 136th Streets in the heart of Harlem.

For more information including hours of operation and a current event schedule, call 212-491-2200 or visit the New York Public Library website.

Location: 515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York City, New York
Phone: 212-491-2200
Support: Contact List

Click here to visit The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture