New York Public Library’s Rose Reading Room
In NYC, there are only 119 interior landmarks – the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and the UN Plaza Hotel’s lobby being the latest two to achieve the distinction. But if two New York State Senators have their way, the recently renovated and reopened New York Public Library’s Rose Main Reading Room will also be awarded that designation.
After a $12 million, two year renovation, the majestic Rose Main Reading Room is a truly breathtaking tract measuring 78 ft by 297 ft – roughly the length of two city blocks – with 52 ft ceilings, displaying murals of vibrant skies and billowing clouds. The expansive Beaux-Arts space weaves Old World architectural elegance with modern technology. Patrons can request material from the Library’s environmentally optimal storage facility located underneath Bryant Park with a capacity of over 4 million items. Visitors can also browse thousands of reference volumes lining the shelves. Or play witness to the library’s state-of-the-art conveyor system of 24 individual red cars that can transport up to 30 lbs of material all throughout the library.
